Solomon Dias Bandaranaike facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Solomon Dias Bandaranaike
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Maha Mudaliyar of Ceylon
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| Born | 22 May 1862 Veyangoda, British Ceylon
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| Died | 31 July 1946 (aged 84) |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Education | S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia |
| Occupation | Headmen |
| Title | Head Mudaliyar |
| Spouse(s) | Daisy Ezline Obeyesekere |
| Children | S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike Alexandra Camelia Bandaranaike Anna Florentina Bandaranaike |
Sir Solomon Dias Abeywickrema Jayatilleke Senewiratna Rajakumaruna Kadukeralu Bandaranaike (22 May 1862 – 31 July 1946) was a very important leader in British Ceylon, which is now Sri Lanka. He was known as a "headman" during the time when the British ruled Ceylon.
He became the Head Mudaliyar, which was the highest position a local person could have. He also served as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to the British Governor. This made him one of the most powerful people in Ceylon during that time.
Contents
His Family's Story
The Bandaranaike family has a long history in Sri Lanka. It is believed they came from a person named Nilaperumal Pandaram from India. He was a high priest at a temple.
Over time, the family changed their name to the Sinhalese form, Bandaranaike. They also adopted Portuguese names like Dias. They worked with the Portuguese rulers and later the Dutch, gaining special social benefits.
Their influence grew a lot when they became translators and local writers. A family member, Don William Dias, helped the British as a translator.
Growing Up
Solomon Dias Bandaranaike was born on May 22, 1862. His father, Don Christoffel Henricus Dias Abeywickrema Jayatilake Seneviratne Bandaranaike, was also an important "Mudaliyar." A Mudaliyar was a local chief or official.
Solomon's father was the Mudaliyar of the Governor's Gate and of Siyane Korale East. Solomon went to school at S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia in Colombo.
His Important Work
In 1882, Solomon was appointed a "Muhandiram of the Governor's Gate." This happened during a royal visit to Ceylon by Prince Albert Victor.
After his father passed away in 1887, Solomon took over his father's role as Mudaliyar of Siyane Korale East. Eight years later, in 1895, he became the Maha Mudali (Head Mudaliyar). This was the top job for a local Ceylonese person.
He was only 33 years old when he got this important role, making him the youngest to hold it. He kept the position for 33 years until he retired in 1928. In 1896, he traveled to England to represent Ceylon at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration.
His Wealth and Homes
Sir Solomon was a very rich man who owned a lot of land. He had a house in Colombo. He also built a grand house called Horagolla Walauwa. He even turned his father's old house in Horagolla into stables for his horses.
He was the first Ceylonese person to own a house in Nuwara Eliya. This was a special holiday spot mainly for the British at the time.
Awards and Recognition
As Head Mudaliyar, Solomon Dias Bandaranaike received many honors. He was made a Justice of the Peace, which meant he could help keep law and order. He also got permission to add "Rajakumaruna" (meaning Royal Prince) to his name.
In 1902, he attended the Coronation of King Edward VII. There, he was given the title "Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George" (CMG) for his service to the British Empire. He also received a special medal for the Coronation.
In August 1907, he was made a knight, which meant he could use "Sir" before his name. In 1925, he was given an even higher honor: "Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George" (KCMG).
Sir Solomon loved horses and was the President of the Colombo Turf Club. They even put up a statue of him in Colombo while he was still alive, and it is still there today. He also collected old items and donated a collection of palm leaf manuscripts to the Colombo National Museum.
His Own Family
In 1898, Sir Solomon married Daisy Ezline Obeyesekere. Her father was also a member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon.
His son, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, later became the 4th Prime Minister of Ceylon after the country gained independence. His granddaughter, Chandrika Kumaratunga, also became both Prime Minister and President of Sri Lanka. His grandson, Anura Bandaranaike, served as the Speaker of the Parliament.
See also
- List of political families in Sri Lanka
- Horagolla Walauwa
- Bandaranaike family
