A Sri Lankan general and diplomat who played a key role in the country's independence movement and later served as a UN diplomat, known for his efforts in promoting international cooperation and peace.
Anton Muttukumaru, a distinguished military leader and diplomat, made history as the first native Ceylonese to serve as the Commander of the Ceylon Army, now the Sri Lankan Army, a position he held from 1955 to 1959. This remarkable achievement marked a significant milestone in Ceylon's transition to independence, cementing Muttukumaru's place as a pioneering figure in the country's military and diplomatic spheres.
Born on 6 July 1908, Muttukumaru was the son of Dr. Philip Marian Muttukumaru, a Jaffna Tamil, and Mary Mount Carmel Alles, a Colombo Chetty. Following his father's early death, he and his siblings were brought up by their mother. Muttukumaru's educational journey took him from St. Joseph's College, Colombo, to Ceylon University College, and eventually to Jesus College, Oxford, where he read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He later pursued a career in law, becoming a barrister at Grays Inn.
In 1934, Muttukumaru joined the Ceylon Defence Force, a part-time reserve force raised by the British to defend the island. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI), he was mobilized with the rest of the CDF at the outbreak of World War II. During the war, he commanded the CLI Guard at the South East Asia Command headquarters in Kandy, earning promotions to captain, major, and eventually lieutenant colonel. In 1946, he led Ceylon's contingent in the London victory parade.
After the war, Muttukumaru worked as a lawyer, representing the Attorney General in various cases. However, he soon relinquished law to pursue a diplomatic career, serving as Ceylon's High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Ambassador to Egypt. His distinguished service earned him the OBE (Order of the British Empire) and ED (Efficiency Decoration) honors.
Anton Muttukumaru's remarkable career, marked by trailblazing achievements and dedication to his country, has left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka's military and diplomatic history. As the first native Ceylonese Commander of the Ceylon Army, he paved the way for future generations of military leaders and diplomats, inspiring a sense of national pride and identity.
Today, Anton Muttukumaru's legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and leadership, inspiring generations to strive for excellence in service to their nation.
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