M. Canagaratnam, Sri Lankan politician (d. 1980)

Mylvaganam Canagaratnam: A Figure in Sri Lankan Tamil Politics

Mylvaganam Canagaratnam, born on 15 April 1924, was a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician whose career and life ended tragically on 20 April 1980. He served as a Member of Parliament, navigating the complex political landscape of Sri Lanka during a pivotal period in the country's history, marked by escalating ethnic tensions and the rise of Tamil militancy.

Political Journey and the 1977 Election

Canagaratnam's political ascent saw him contest the 1977 parliamentary election as a candidate for the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) in the multi-member constituency of Pottuvil. The TULF, at the time, was the dominant political voice representing the aspirations of the Tamil people, advocating for a separate state known as Tamil Eelam. In an election that dramatically reshaped Sri Lankan politics, Canagaratnam secured the second highest number of votes in Pottuvil, thereby entering Parliament as the second member for the constituency. This electoral system, prevalent in certain areas of Sri Lanka at the time, allowed for multiple representatives from a single constituency, reflecting the diverse preferences of the electorate.

Defection and Ministerial Appointment

A significant turn in Canagaratnam's political career occurred in December 1977, merely months after his election. He made the controversial decision to defect from the TULF and align himself with the United National Party (UNP) led government, which had swept to power under the leadership of President J.R. Jayewardene. This move was particularly noteworthy given the TULF's strong mandate for Tamil self-determination, and defections of this nature were often met with considerable disapproval within their original parties and communities. As a direct consequence of his alignment with the ruling party, Canagaratnam was appointed District Minister for Batticaloa. The District Minister system was a new initiative introduced by the UNP government, aiming to decentralize administration and foster development at the regional level, giving these ministers significant local authority.

Assassination Attempt and Tragic Demise

The political choices Canagaratnam made, particularly his defection, placed him in a precarious position amidst the intensifying ethnic conflict and the nascent but growing Tamil militant movement. On 24 January 1978, he became the target of a brutal assassination attempt outside his home in Kollupitiya, a central and politically significant area of Colombo. He was shot and severely wounded in this attack. The responsibility for the assault was controversially attributed to Velupillai Prabhakaran and Uma Maheswaran, who were then emerging figures in the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This incident marked one of the earliest high-profile acts of violence linked to the LTTE leadership, signaling a grim escalation in the methods employed by certain groups seeking to achieve their political objectives. Although he survived the immediate attack, Canagaratnam succumbed to his extensive injuries over two years later, passing away on 20 April 1980. His death underscored the severe and often fatal consequences faced by politicians caught in the crosscurrents of Sri Lanka's ethnic strife.

FAQs about Mylvaganam Canagaratnam

When was Mylvaganam Canagaratnam born and when did he pass away?

Mylvaganam Canagaratnam was born on 15 April 1924 and tragically passed away on 20 April 1980.

What political party did Canagaratnam represent during the 1977 parliamentary election?

He represented the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) during the 1977 parliamentary election, contesting the Pottuvil constituency.

How did he enter Parliament if he came second in the election?

Canagaratnam entered Parliament as the "second member for Pottuvil" because Sri Lanka's electoral system at the time allowed for multi-member constituencies in certain areas, enabling more than one candidate to be elected from a single constituency based on the votes received.

To which party did he defect, and what was his reward?

He defected to the United National Party (UNP) led government in December 1977. As a result, he was appointed District Minister for Batticaloa.

What was the nature of the attack against him?

Mylvaganam Canagaratnam was shot and severely wounded outside his home in Kollupitiya, Colombo, on 24 January 1978. He sustained extensive injuries that ultimately led to his death over two years later.

Who was blamed for the attack on Canagaratnam?

The attack was attributed to Velupillai Prabhakaran and Uma Maheswaran, prominent figures within the then-nascent militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Why was his defection considered significant?

His defection from the TULF to the ruling UNP was significant because the TULF had a strong mandate for Tamil self-determination. Such a move by a Tamil politician was often seen as controversial within the Tamil community and by his former party, especially as ethnic tensions were rising in the country.