M. Canagaratnam, Sri Lankan politician (b. 1924)

Mylvaganam Canagaratnam (April 15, 1924 – April 20, 1980) was a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician whose career reflected the complex and often tumultuous political landscape of his era. Serving as a Member of Parliament and later as a District Minister, his life was marked by significant political transitions and a tragic end, making him a figure of historical note in Sri Lankan contemporary history.

Early Life and Entry into Politics

Born on April 15, 1924, Mylvaganam Canagaratnam emerged onto the political scene at a time when Sri Lanka was experiencing escalating ethnic tensions and a growing demand for Tamil rights and self-determination. His deep roots within the Tamil community and the prevailing political climate naturally drew him into the fold of parties advocating for Tamil interests. As a Sri Lankan Tamil, Canagaratnam witnessed firsthand the evolving dynamics between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil communities, which significantly shaped his political trajectory.

The 1977 Election and a Pivotal Defection

Canagaratnam’s political career reached a significant milestone during the landmark 1977 parliamentary election. He successfully contested the Pottuvil constituency as a candidate for the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF). The TULF, at this time, was a powerful political force that had campaigned on a platform of establishing a separate Tamil state, Tamil Eelam, reflecting the widespread aspirations among the Tamil populace. While he came second in the election, the electoral system for multi-member constituencies allowed him to enter Parliament, where he served as the "second member" for Pottuvil, ensuring comprehensive representation for the area.

However, a pivotal and controversial shift occurred swiftly after his election. In December 1977, Canagaratnam made the decision to defect from the TULF and join the United National Party (UNP) led government, then under the leadership of President J.R. Jayewardene. This move was highly contentious within the Tamil political sphere, with many viewing it as a betrayal of the TULF’s mandate for Tamil self-determination. In recognition of his defection and allegiance, he was rewarded with a significant appointment as the District Minister for Batticaloa. The role of District Minister, a new administrative innovation by the UNP government, aimed at decentralizing governance and bringing political authority closer to the districts, thereby granting Canagaratnam considerable administrative power in a predominantly Tamil-speaking region.

The Attack and Its Tragic Aftermath

Canagaratnam’s shift in political allegiance placed him in a perilous position as the nascent Tamil militant groups began to emerge and consolidate their power, often targeting individuals perceived as collaborators with the state or traitors to the Tamil cause. This dangerous climate tragically materialized on January 24, 1978, when he was shot outside his home in Kollupitiya, a bustling residential and commercial area in Colombo.

The audacious attack was widely attributed to key figures within the burgeoning militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Specifically, the blame fell upon V. Prabhakaran, who would later rise to become the formidable leader of the LTTE, and Uma Maheswaran, another prominent figure in the early stages of the militant movement. This incident was an early and stark demonstration of the brutal tactics that would come to characterize the escalating ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. Despite immediate medical attention, Canagaratnam tragically succumbed to his severe injuries more than two years later, passing away on April 20, 1980. His untimely death underscored the intense political violence and the profound divisions that were beginning to tear Sri Lankan society apart, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's political memory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Mylvaganam Canagaratnam?

Mylvaganam Canagaratnam was a notable Sri Lankan Tamil politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Pottuvil constituency and later as the District Minister for Batticaloa.

What were his birth and death dates?

He was born on April 15, 1924, and tragically passed away on April 20, 1980, succumbing to injuries sustained in an attack.

Which political party did he initially represent?

He initially stood as a candidate for the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) during the 1977 parliamentary election.

Why did he defect from the TULF?

In December 1977, he defected from the TULF to join the United National Party (UNP) led government. This move was controversial and led to his appointment as District Minister for Batticaloa, a decision likely driven by political strategy and the opportunities it presented.

Who was implicated in the attack on him?

The attack on Canagaratnam, which occurred on January 24, 1978, was blamed on V. Prabhakaran and Uma Maheswaran, who were key figures in the early stages of the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

What was the significance of his death?

His death, resulting from a militant attack, highlighted the escalating political violence and the emerging tactics of groups like the LTTE against those perceived as opposing their aims for an independent Tamil Eelam, thereby marking a critical point in the trajectory of Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict.