A. E. Goonesinha
Encyclopedia
Alexander Ekanayake Goonesinha (May 1, 1891 - August 1, 1967) was a pioneering trade union leader known as the "Father of the Labour Movement" in Sri Lanka
. He was the founder of the Ceylon Labor Party
, Sri Lanka's first labor organization and was the First Ceylonese Mayor of Colombo
. A. E. Goonesinha also served as the Minister without portfolio
, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip in the First Parliament of Sri Lanka (House of Representatives of Ceylon
). He was an alumnus of Dharmaraja College, Kandy
and St. Joseph's College, Colombo
.
as the son of a tea estate Superintendent George Ekanayake Goonesinha. He first attended Dharmaraja College and completed his education at St. Joseph's College, Colombo
. Upon graduation, he sought employment as a clerk in the Sri Lankan railway department but later turned his attention to journalism.
The young man was prominent in forming the "Young Lanka League" on March 2, 1915 along with Victor Corea
, a lawyer from Chilaw
in the fight against colonialism
. He also formed the Gandhi Association - inspired by the Indian independence movement
- and the Lanka Workers' Association.
The 1915 riots resulted in the imprisonment of Goonesinha in May 1915, along with leaders with the likes of F.R. Senanayake, D.B. Jayatilaka
, D. S. Senanayake, and many others including C. A. Hewavitharana
and Henry Pedris
, who were shot under martial law
for crimes they did not commit. After being released from prison on August 15, Goonesinha started the Journal The Nation to support the national freedom fight.
His association with Anagarika Dharmapala
, made him join the Temperance Movement and he made an significant impact on the Revivalist Movement as well.
The colonial government which ruled Ceylon at the time levied a tax of Rs. 2.00 per year starting in 1920. Those who did not pay had to work on the roads for one day in lieu of the tax. Goonesinha campaigned against the tax and convinced his members of his "Young Lanka League" not to pay the tax and instead work on the road. Goonesinha himself joined the movement, breaking rocks by hand between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM with a recess time of half-an-hour for lunch. The revolt against the tax grew and it was repealed in 1923 due to Goonesinha's efforts.
(aka "Ceylon Mercantile Industrial and General Workers' Union"), led by Bala Tampoe
. Tampoe is the seniormost trade unionist in the country having been part of the movement since 1948.
In 1928, Goonesinha was instrumental in forming the “All Ceylon Labour Union Congress”, and later in 1935 the “Ceylon Trade Union Congress” was formed by the amalgamation of several Unions including the Ceylon Mercantile of which he was the President for 20 years. Reaching the workers, educating them about their rights and privileges, holding propaganda meetings he swelled the membership of the CLU.
struck, and was joined by numerous other Unions. In total 25,000 workers were supplied with free meals for 56 days. The Strike was a great success, and a Commission appointed by the British Governor Sir William Henry Manning, recommended a 20% increase in Salaries and Casual & Sick leave grants. But the government was hard on the strikers and severe punishments were imposed on them upon returning to work. That resulted in nearly 25,000 workers in the Colombo Harbour
, Colombo Municipality, Wellawatte Spinning & Weaving Mills , Government Factory and several government departments coming out on strike. The strike which continued for nearly five weeks ended eventually, with the workers trekking back to work.
workers in February 1927 demanding a wage increase of 50 cts (from Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 2.00) per day and a lunch interval of one hour. The strike resulted in a wage increase by 25 cts. and the granting of a 15-minute interval for lunch.
Workers on 23 January 1929. In retaliation, European Planters and Executives drove Tram Cars and this sparked off trouble. The Late President J.R. Jayewardene, who was then a student, joined the many other helpers to transport the crowds of people who boycotted travelling in Tarm Cars. These anti-strike measures adopted by Whittal Bousteads which owned the Tramcar Service, resulted in the strikers in appealing to the public, not to patronize tramcars or purchase goods marketed by the company. The appeal received support of the consumers and the students too joined in support of the workers. As the strike progressed, due to Police harassment of the strikers, it spread to other institutions and demonstrations followed. This resulted in clashes between the demonstrators and the Police. On the 5th February 1929, a clash took place between the Police and the Strikers, and the Maradana Police Station
was set on fire. That forced the employers to come to the negotiating table and the strike started by 150 tramcar employees after 13 days ended with a negotiated settlement.
which strikes too were not successful. Though the strikers failed, trade unionism gained ground in Ceylon at unprecedented levels. The unsuccessful strike at Lake House
in 1929 where Indian workers were brought in to diminish the strike, marked the decline of his power as a trade union leader. The Marxists, thereafter took over the trade union movement, and holds it hitherto.
During Colonial period in which Ceylon was ruled by the British Empire, Goonesinha was brave and courageous to meet any eventuality to fight for the rights of the workers, and due to his daring qualities, he was known among Workers as the "Maha Kalu Sinhaya".
or May Day was first held in Ceylon, in 1927 under the leadership of Mr.Goonesinha. The May Day Rally held in 1933 under his leadership had new features introduced. Men wore a white sarong and a red striped banian. Women workers were dressed in red coloured cloth and jacket. There were drummers and dancers. Mr.Goonesinha walked under a red banner, where there was no political slogans displayed or shouted-out. Working class songs being sung, was an conspicuous part of the rally. The demonstrations started from Price Park and the rally was held ultimately at the Galle Face Green
.
The first May Day Rally under Marxist leadership in Ceylon was held in 1935. May Day was declared public holiday by the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna
Government led by Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, in 1956.
in October, 1928, with himself as President, and Proctor Marshall Perera as Secretary, and Messrs. C.E. Corea
, C.H. Fernando, C.W.W. Kannangara
, George E. de Silva and late President Ranasinghe Premadasa
, who was a very eloquent speaker, in the Committee. The CLP was formed, after having had contacts with the Labour Party of Great Britain
earlier. In fact when Ramsay McDonald, the British Labour Party Leader and Prime Minister visited Ceylon in 1926; Goonesinha received him on behalf of the Ceylonese labour movement. He also appeared on behalf of the labour movement at the Donoughmore Commission
for Universal Franchise.
Mr. Goonesinha's was depicted as a National Hero in July 1928, when he represented Ceylon at the British Empire Labour Conference, London, and was responsible in obtaining for Ceylon the Universal Adult Suffrage from the Donoughmore Commission. He was also responsible for the abolishing of the Poll Tax in 1925.
At the State Council elections held in 1931 Goonesinha was elected on the Labour Party ticket as Member for Colombo Central Electoral District
, and he repeated this feat in 1936. In 1940, he was elected to the Colombo Municipal Council
and in 1943 became the first Ceylonese Mayor of Colombo
.
In the 1947 Parliamentary election, he was elected as the first Member for the Colombo Central Seat
(three Member seat) in Parliament and was appointed the Chief Government Whip in the UNP government, Minister without Portfolio and Minister of State of the First Parliament of Ceylon (then known as the House of Representatives of Ceylon
), by Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake. He also served as the Parliament secretary to the Minister of Labour and Social Services, Dr.T.B.Jayah
. Mr. Goonesinha was later appointed as Ceylon's Ambassador to Burma and Indonesia
.
Mr. Goonesinha's devoted disciple and follower , the Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa
, converted Price Park and the environment in Pettah
, as “Goonesinhapura” as a tribute to this leader of the workers. Price Park was where Goonesinha and held the trade union and Political meetings led by him, and where large crowds gathered to listen to the eloquent speeches of Goonesinha and other contemporary leaders. This area is now re-named as “Goonesinha Park”.
As a mark of honour; his statue has been erected at the entrance to Goonesinhapura, depicting him with a hammer in hand breaking rock stones for Civil Disobedience in not paying Poll Tax. This statue is garlanded every May Day.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
. He was the founder of the Ceylon Labor Party
Sri Lanka leftist parties
During the Donoughmore period of political experimentation , several Sri Lanka leftist parties were formed. Unlike most other Sri Lankan parties, these leftist parties were noncommunal in membership....
, Sri Lanka's first labor organization and was the First Ceylonese Mayor of Colombo
Mayor of Colombo
The Mayor of Colombo is the Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council. The post was created in 1866 when the Colombo Municipal Council established by the Legislative Council of Ceylon. The officers of the mayor are at the Colombo Town Hall. The mayors legal title is His worship the Mayor of...
. A. E. Goonesinha also served as the Minister without portfolio
Minister without Portfolio
A minister without portfolio is either a government minister with no specific responsibilities or a minister that does not head a particular ministry...
, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip in the First Parliament of Sri Lanka (House of Representatives of Ceylon
House of Representatives of Ceylon
The House of Representatives of Ceylon was the lower chamber of the parliament of Ceylon established in 1947 by the Soulbury Constitution. The House was housed in the old State Council building in Galle Face Green, Colombo and met for the first time on 14 October 1947...
). He was an alumnus of Dharmaraja College, Kandy
Dharmaraja College, Kandy
Dharmaraja College , founded in 1887 is a premier Boys' School in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist school with around 175 teaching staff and around 4,500 students. The school has many renowned figures in its alumni including William Gopallawa, A. E...
and St. Joseph's College, Colombo
St. Joseph's College, Colombo
St. Joseph's College is a Catholic educational institution in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was established in 1896 by French missionaries, with Rev Christopher Ernst Bonjean playing a leading role. The college has over 4000 students with a staff of over 200...
.
Early life
A.E. Goonesinha was born May 1, 1891 in KandyKandy
Kandy is a city in the center of Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka; it is both an...
as the son of a tea estate Superintendent George Ekanayake Goonesinha. He first attended Dharmaraja College and completed his education at St. Joseph's College, Colombo
St. Joseph's College, Colombo
St. Joseph's College is a Catholic educational institution in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was established in 1896 by French missionaries, with Rev Christopher Ernst Bonjean playing a leading role. The college has over 4000 students with a staff of over 200...
. Upon graduation, he sought employment as a clerk in the Sri Lankan railway department but later turned his attention to journalism.
The young man was prominent in forming the "Young Lanka League" on March 2, 1915 along with Victor Corea
Victor Corea
Charles Edward Victor Seneviratne Corea was born in Chilaw, Sri Lanka on 29 January 1871 to Charles Edward Bandaranaike Corea, a famous lawyer, and Henrietta Seneviratne. He was the youngest out of five children, three boys and two girls, Charles Edgar Corea, James Alfred Ernest Corea, Agnes Corea...
, a lawyer from Chilaw
Chilaw
Chilaw is a western seaboard town on the island of Sri Lanka.It is a bustling town with a famous fishmarket and beach...
in the fight against colonialism
Colonialism
Colonialism is the establishment, maintenance, acquisition and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another territory. It is a process whereby the metropole claims sovereignty over the colony and the social structure, government, and economics of the colony are changed by...
. He also formed the Gandhi Association - inspired by the Indian independence movement
Indian independence movement
The term Indian independence movement encompasses a wide area of political organisations, philosophies, and movements which had the common aim of ending first British East India Company rule, and then British imperial authority, in parts of South Asia...
- and the Lanka Workers' Association.
The 1915 riots resulted in the imprisonment of Goonesinha in May 1915, along with leaders with the likes of F.R. Senanayake, D.B. Jayatilaka
Don Baron Jayatilaka
Sir Don Baron Jayatilaka was a Sri Lankan educationalist, politician and diplomat....
, D. S. Senanayake, and many others including C. A. Hewavitharana
Charles Alwis Hewavitharana
Charles Alwis Hewavitharana, FRCS, LRCP was a Ceylonese physician who played a significant role in Sir Lanka's Sri Lankan independence movement...
and Henry Pedris
Henry Pedris
Captain Duenuge Edward Henry Pedris CTG was a militia officer and a prominent socialite in colonial Ceylon who was executed by British officials for alleged incitement of racial riots in 1915, which were proven false...
, who were shot under martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
for crimes they did not commit. After being released from prison on August 15, Goonesinha started the Journal The Nation to support the national freedom fight.
His association with Anagarika Dharmapala
Anagarika Dharmapala
Anagarika Dharmapala was a leading figure of Buddhism in the twentieth century. He was one of the founding contributors of Sinhalese Buddhist Nationalism and Protestant Buddhism...
, made him join the Temperance Movement and he made an significant impact on the Revivalist Movement as well.
Advocate of the poor
Goonesinha did his best to help the poor by guiding them on how to improve their qualities of life. In his desire to educate the uneducated, he started education programs launching night schools for Ceylon's shanty dwellers. He set in motion social service programs which were of immense benefit to the poor.The colonial government which ruled Ceylon at the time levied a tax of Rs. 2.00 per year starting in 1920. Those who did not pay had to work on the roads for one day in lieu of the tax. Goonesinha campaigned against the tax and convinced his members of his "Young Lanka League" not to pay the tax and instead work on the road. Goonesinha himself joined the movement, breaking rocks by hand between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM with a recess time of half-an-hour for lunch. The revolt against the tax grew and it was repealed in 1923 due to Goonesinha's efforts.
Pioneering trade union leader
The campaign against the tax brought Goonesinha into contact with Ceylonese workers. He found that the workers were poorly paid, with wages averaging between 30 cts. to Rs. 1.00 for a day's work, sometimes as long as twelve hours. He was determined to get the working class better and more equitable wages. As a result, members of the working class looked to Goonesinha as the leader they had longed for.Organizing trade unions
Goonesinha organized Sri Lanka's first trade union, the “Ceylon Labour Union” in 1922. Initial membership was approximately 25. Goonesinha was the secretary; longtime partner Victor Corea was made President. Some months after the formation of the union, Goonesinha assumed duties as president. That trade union is known today as the Ceylon Mercantile UnionCeylon Mercantile Union
The Ceylon Mercantile Union is one of the largest trade unions in the commercial sector in Sri Lanka.The Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial and General Workers Union was originally built in 1928 as a white-collar union in the mercantile sector. Victor Corea and A.E...
(aka "Ceylon Mercantile Industrial and General Workers' Union"), led by Bala Tampoe
Bala Tampoe
Bala Tampoe is Sri Lankan lawyer and trade unionist. He was the General Secretary of the Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial and General Workers Union in Sri Lanka.-Early life and education:...
. Tampoe is the seniormost trade unionist in the country having been part of the movement since 1948.
In 1928, Goonesinha was instrumental in forming the “All Ceylon Labour Union Congress”, and later in 1935 the “Ceylon Trade Union Congress” was formed by the amalgamation of several Unions including the Ceylon Mercantile of which he was the President for 20 years. Reaching the workers, educating them about their rights and privileges, holding propaganda meetings he swelled the membership of the CLU.
Government Railway strike (1923)
Mr.Goonesinha led a series of successful strikes, and the first General Strike occurred in February 1923, when the Government RailwaySri Lanka Railways
Sri Lanka Railway Department, branded "Sri Lanka Railways", is a key department of the Sri Lankan Government under the Ministry of Transport with a history that begins in 1858...
struck, and was joined by numerous other Unions. In total 25,000 workers were supplied with free meals for 56 days. The Strike was a great success, and a Commission appointed by the British Governor Sir William Henry Manning, recommended a 20% increase in Salaries and Casual & Sick leave grants. But the government was hard on the strikers and severe punishments were imposed on them upon returning to work. That resulted in nearly 25,000 workers in the Colombo Harbour
Colombo Harbour
The Colombo Harbour is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka. Located in Colombo, on the southwestern shores on the Kelani River, it serves as an important terminal in Asia due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean...
, Colombo Municipality, Wellawatte Spinning & Weaving Mills , Government Factory and several government departments coming out on strike. The strike which continued for nearly five weeks ended eventually, with the workers trekking back to work.
Harbour Workers’ strike (1927)
Though the battle was lost, the workers remained defiant and working class unity was strengthened. Goonesinha next led a strike of the Colombo HarbourColombo Harbour
The Colombo Harbour is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka. Located in Colombo, on the southwestern shores on the Kelani River, it serves as an important terminal in Asia due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean...
workers in February 1927 demanding a wage increase of 50 cts (from Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 2.00) per day and a lunch interval of one hour. The strike resulted in a wage increase by 25 cts. and the granting of a 15-minute interval for lunch.
Tramcar Workers’ strike (1929)
He next launched the strike by TramcarTramcar
The Tramcar is a trackless train service running on the Boardwalk in the Cape May County, New Jersey communities of Wildwood and North Wildwood. The service, which began on June 11, 1949, takes passengers along the two-mile long Wildwood boardwalk...
Workers on 23 January 1929. In retaliation, European Planters and Executives drove Tram Cars and this sparked off trouble. The Late President J.R. Jayewardene, who was then a student, joined the many other helpers to transport the crowds of people who boycotted travelling in Tarm Cars. These anti-strike measures adopted by Whittal Bousteads which owned the Tramcar Service, resulted in the strikers in appealing to the public, not to patronize tramcars or purchase goods marketed by the company. The appeal received support of the consumers and the students too joined in support of the workers. As the strike progressed, due to Police harassment of the strikers, it spread to other institutions and demonstrations followed. This resulted in clashes between the demonstrators and the Police. On the 5th February 1929, a clash took place between the Police and the Strikers, and the Maradana Police Station
Maradana
Maradana is a suburb of Colombo city, Sri Lanka. Maradana is the site of Maradana Railway Station, one of the primary railway hubs in the country, serving intercity rail and commuter rail. Maradana also has many railway yards and running sheds...
was set on fire. That forced the employers to come to the negotiating table and the strike started by 150 tramcar employees after 13 days ended with a negotiated settlement.
Galle Face Hotel and Lake House strikes
He also led strikes at the Times and the Galle Face HotelGalle Face Hotel
The Galle Face Hotel, founded in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1864, is the oldest hotel east of Suez. It is located at 2, Galle Road, Colombo 03. The Ceylon Hotels Corporation is now part of the Galle Face Hotel Group. The hotel is a member of Select Hotels and Resorts International. The current chairman...
which strikes too were not successful. Though the strikers failed, trade unionism gained ground in Ceylon at unprecedented levels. The unsuccessful strike at Lake House
Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited
Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited , also known as Lake House, is the largest newspaper company in South East Asia. It publishes three daily, three weekend, five weekly, two monthly and three annual publications in Sinhala, English and Tamil....
in 1929 where Indian workers were brought in to diminish the strike, marked the decline of his power as a trade union leader. The Marxists, thereafter took over the trade union movement, and holds it hitherto.
During Colonial period in which Ceylon was ruled by the British Empire, Goonesinha was brave and courageous to meet any eventuality to fight for the rights of the workers, and due to his daring qualities, he was known among Workers as the "Maha Kalu Sinhaya".
Labour Day
Labour DayLabour Day
Labour Day or Labor Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for...
or May Day was first held in Ceylon, in 1927 under the leadership of Mr.Goonesinha. The May Day Rally held in 1933 under his leadership had new features introduced. Men wore a white sarong and a red striped banian. Women workers were dressed in red coloured cloth and jacket. There were drummers and dancers. Mr.Goonesinha walked under a red banner, where there was no political slogans displayed or shouted-out. Working class songs being sung, was an conspicuous part of the rally. The demonstrations started from Price Park and the rally was held ultimately at the Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green
The Galle Face is a promenade which stretches for half kilometre along the coast in the heart of financial and business district of Colombo, Sri Lanka...
.
The first May Day Rally under Marxist leadership in Ceylon was held in 1935. May Day was declared public holiday by the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna
Mahajana Eksath Peramuna
The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna is a left-wing political party in Sri Lanka. Today the party is led by Dinesh Gunawardena, son of Philip Gunawardena....
Government led by Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, in 1956.
Politician
Mr. Goonesingha's political career marked the formation of the "Ceylon Labour Party"Sri Lanka leftist parties
During the Donoughmore period of political experimentation , several Sri Lanka leftist parties were formed. Unlike most other Sri Lankan parties, these leftist parties were noncommunal in membership....
in October, 1928, with himself as President, and Proctor Marshall Perera as Secretary, and Messrs. C.E. Corea
Charles Edgar Corea
-Early life:C.E.Corea was born in the west coast town of Chilaw, in Sri Lanka. His parents were Charles Edward Bandaranaike Corea, a leading lawyer from Chilaw and Henritta Seneviratne. He was educated at the premier institution, Royal College Colombo where he excelled in his studies. He earned a...
, C.H. Fernando, C.W.W. Kannangara
C.W.W. Kannangara
Crestoper William Wijeyekoon Kannangara was a Sri Lankan lawyer and politician...
, George E. de Silva and late President Ranasinghe Premadasa
Ranasinghe Premadasa
Ranasinghe Premadasa was the 3rd President of Sri Lanka from January 2, 1989 to May 1, 1993. Before that, he served as the Prime Minister in the government headed by J. R. Jayewardene from February 6, 1978 to January 1, 1989...
, who was a very eloquent speaker, in the Committee. The CLP was formed, after having had contacts with the Labour Party of Great Britain
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
earlier. In fact when Ramsay McDonald, the British Labour Party Leader and Prime Minister visited Ceylon in 1926; Goonesinha received him on behalf of the Ceylonese labour movement. He also appeared on behalf of the labour movement at the Donoughmore Commission
Donoughmore Commission
The Donoughmore Commission was responsible for the creation of the Donoughmore Constitution in effect between 1931–47 in Ceylon...
for Universal Franchise.
Mr. Goonesinha's was depicted as a National Hero in July 1928, when he represented Ceylon at the British Empire Labour Conference, London, and was responsible in obtaining for Ceylon the Universal Adult Suffrage from the Donoughmore Commission. He was also responsible for the abolishing of the Poll Tax in 1925.
At the State Council elections held in 1931 Goonesinha was elected on the Labour Party ticket as Member for Colombo Central Electoral District
Colombo Central Electoral District
Colombo Central electoral district was an electoral district of Sri Lanka between August 1947 and February 1989. The district was named after the city of Colombo in Colombo District, Western Province. The district was a three-member constituency. The 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka introduced the...
, and he repeated this feat in 1936. In 1940, he was elected to the Colombo Municipal Council
Colombo Municipal Council
The Colombo Municipal Council is the local council for Colombo, the largest city and financial centre in Sri Lanka. The council was formed in 1865 and first met in 1866. The municipal council is the oldest and the largest local government authority in Sri Lanka and, as of 2001, covers a resident...
and in 1943 became the first Ceylonese Mayor of Colombo
Mayor of Colombo
The Mayor of Colombo is the Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council. The post was created in 1866 when the Colombo Municipal Council established by the Legislative Council of Ceylon. The officers of the mayor are at the Colombo Town Hall. The mayors legal title is His worship the Mayor of...
.
In the 1947 Parliamentary election, he was elected as the first Member for the Colombo Central Seat
Colombo Central Electoral District
Colombo Central electoral district was an electoral district of Sri Lanka between August 1947 and February 1989. The district was named after the city of Colombo in Colombo District, Western Province. The district was a three-member constituency. The 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka introduced the...
(three Member seat) in Parliament and was appointed the Chief Government Whip in the UNP government, Minister without Portfolio and Minister of State of the First Parliament of Ceylon (then known as the House of Representatives of Ceylon
House of Representatives of Ceylon
The House of Representatives of Ceylon was the lower chamber of the parliament of Ceylon established in 1947 by the Soulbury Constitution. The House was housed in the old State Council building in Galle Face Green, Colombo and met for the first time on 14 October 1947...
), by Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake. He also served as the Parliament secretary to the Minister of Labour and Social Services, Dr.T.B.Jayah
Tuan Burhanudeen Jayah
Dr.Tuan Burhanuddin Jayah was born in Galagedara on 01st of January 1890. was a Sri Lankan educationalist, politician, and diplomat. He studied at St. Paul's College, Kandy and St Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia and received his degree from the University of London in 1913 and joined Dharmaraja...
. Mr. Goonesinha was later appointed as Ceylon's Ambassador to Burma and Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
.
Death and Remembrance
A. E. Goonesinha; prominent freedom fighter, social worker, advocate of the poor, politician and trade union leader is remembered today as the father of the country's Trade Union Movement. This national hero died on the 1st of August 1967, and was carried through the streets of Colombo by workers, to the Kanaththe, where he was laid to rest in peace.Mr. Goonesinha's devoted disciple and follower , the Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa
Ranasinghe Premadasa
Ranasinghe Premadasa was the 3rd President of Sri Lanka from January 2, 1989 to May 1, 1993. Before that, he served as the Prime Minister in the government headed by J. R. Jayewardene from February 6, 1978 to January 1, 1989...
, converted Price Park and the environment in Pettah
Pettah, Sri Lanka
Pettah is a neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka located east of the City centre Fort. The Pettah neighborhood is famous for its open air bazaars and markets....
, as “Goonesinhapura” as a tribute to this leader of the workers. Price Park was where Goonesinha and held the trade union and Political meetings led by him, and where large crowds gathered to listen to the eloquent speeches of Goonesinha and other contemporary leaders. This area is now re-named as “Goonesinha Park”.
As a mark of honour; his statue has been erected at the entrance to Goonesinhapura, depicting him with a hammer in hand breaking rock stones for Civil Disobedience in not paying Poll Tax. This statue is garlanded every May Day.