A Statesman and benevolent leader

30 October 2021 01:17 am Views - 806

A visionary, A statesman, A father, A role model and an all-round benevolent individual, Sir Oliver Goonethileke (GCMG, KCVO, KBE) served as an important figure in the gradual independence of Ceylon from Britain and was the third Governor-General of Ceylon (1954-1962). He was the first Ceylonese individual to hold the vice – regal post.

Born on 20th October 1892 in Trincomalee was Mr. Oliver Ernest Goonathileke. Fifth child and only son of Alfred Goonethileke. He was educated at Wesley College, Colombo and served there as an assistant teacher for a short time before joining a bank and thereafter joining government service of the crown colony of Ceylon as a railway auditor and then went on to become its Auditor General. 

He was married to Esther (nee Jayawardena) and had three children, Joyce, Shiela and Ernie.

In 1947 when the first cabinet of ministers was formed with D.S Senanayake as Prime Minister, Sir Oliver, who had been appointed to the Senate of Ceylon after resigning from the public service, became the Minister of Home Affairs and Rural Development. He later resigned and was appointed the first High Commissioner of the United Kingdom. On his return to Ceylon, he became the Leader of the Senate and the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Sir Oliver Goonethileke left the Governor-General’s post on 02nd March 1962 and led a retired life in London. He also became both sufficiently affluent and sufficiently familiar with British business affairs to become an Underwriting Member of Lloyd’s of London, the famous reinsurance house in London.

Often considered one of the most brilliant statesman of his time, Sir Oliver Goonethileke was a key architect of Ceylon’s independence. An upstanding citizen and human being, he always put the needs of others ahead of his own

Often considered one of the most brilliant statesman of his time, Sir Oliver Goonethileke was a key architect of Ceylon’s independence. An upstanding citizen and human being, he always put the needs of others ahead of his own as many of those who worked and associated with him would recall. His Alma-mater, Wesley College recognized his contributions to the school and the nation by commemorating the ‘Sir Oliver Goonethileke Memorial Shield’ rugby encounter between Wesley College and St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia. 

An often-unsung hero of the nation, we fondly remember this great human for his efforts and contributions through service.

This is in Remembrance of this Great Human; Sir Oliver Goonethileke.