I. X. Pereira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
I. X. Pereira
MLC MSC KCSS
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Pereira in 1934
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| Dewan Bahadur | |
| Member of the State Council of Ceylon | |
| In office 1931–1947 |
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| Member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon | |
| In office 1924–1931 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ignatius Xavier Pereira
26 April 1888 Tuticorin, India |
| Died | 24 July 1951 (aged 63) Colombo, Ceylon |
| Nationality | Ceylonese |
| Spouse | Margaret Pereira |
| Parent | F. X. Pereira |
Ignatius Xavier Pereira (born April 26, 1888 – died July 21, 1951) was an important businessman and politician from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He lived during a time when Ceylon was under British rule. He was known for helping the community and for his work in business and government.
Contents
Early Life and Growing a Business
Ignatius Xavier Pereira was born in Tuticorin, India. This was on April 26, 1888. He was the oldest son of Francis Xavier Pereira.
Moving to Colombo and Starting a Business
In 1889, his father moved the family to Colombo, Ceylon. There, his father started a company called F. X. Pereira and Sons. This company sold fabrics and made clothes.
Ignatius went to school at St. Benedict's College in Kotahena.
Taking Over the Family Business
When his father passed away in 1906, Ignatius was only eighteen years old. He took over the family business. He worked hard to make the company bigger. He added new parts to the business. These included shipping, insurance, manufacturing, and general stores.
Political Career and Public Service
Pereira became involved in politics to serve his community. He held important positions in the government of Ceylon.
Joining the Legislative Council
In 1924, Pereira was chosen to join the Legislative Council of Ceylon. This council was a group of people who helped make laws. He won the election for the seat that represented the Indian community. He won by a large number of votes.
Working for Minority Rights
In 1930, he traveled to London, England. He met with the Secretary of State for the Colonies. This person was a high-ranking British official. Pereira discussed how minority groups should be represented in the new Donoughmore Constitution. This was a plan for how Ceylon would be governed.
Serving on the State Council
Because of his efforts, he was later appointed to the 1st State Council of Ceylon. This happened on June 26, 1931. He represented the Tamil Indian community.
In 1934, he received a special title, Dewan Bahadur. The Viceroy of India gave him this honor. It was to recognize his service to the Tamil community.
Continuing His Service
Pereira was chosen again for the 2nd State Council in 1936. He stayed a member until the council ended in 1947. He worked on the committee for Labour, Industry, and Commerce.
During World War II, he was part of the War Council. This was a special group that helped with war efforts. He was one of the few Ceylonese people chosen for it.
He also became the Minister of Labour, Industry and Commerce. This happened in 1946.
Special Recognition
In the same year, Pope Pius XII honored him. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Sylvester. This was for his kindness and help to the church.
Other Important Roles
Pereira was also a member of several other important groups.
- He was on the Colombo Port Commission. This group managed the port.
- He was on the Board of Indian Immigrant Labour.
- He was the President of the Indian Mercantile Chamber.
- He was the President of the Indian Club.
- He was the Vice President of the All Ceylon Tamil Congress.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1948, the first Prime Minister of Ceylon, D. S. Senanayake, offered him a position. This was in the Senate of Ceylon. However, Pereira's health was not good, so he had to decline.
He passed away on July 21, 1951. He was sixty-three years old.
Honoring His Memory
In 1988, a special stamp was made to honor him. This was for his 100th birthday. Also, a road in Pettah was named after him. This was done by the Colombo Municipal Council.
