K.C.Vignarajah (1940-2024): An Ode to a True Leader and Advocate

Served as Chairman of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries and occupied many other senior positions

I have known Kangasu Chelvadurai Vignarajah, known to many by his initials K.C., for over 7 years. I remember

from that first meeting the mischief in his smile and the glint in his eye. Always elegantly dressed, Vigna had rare poise, manners and eloquence. It was a surprise to meet such a man in Colombo; I can think of only a few others. At one time Captain of the Royal College Rowing Club, his physical fitness and imposing presence remained despite the inevitable frailty of age. Vigna’s command of the English language was at a level occupied by few others in our country. Most of our so-called silver-tongued orators are no more than tinsel in comparison. I say this not so much to praise Vigna, but to hold him as a model for the rest of our ‘elite’.

Vigna told me stories of his childhood. Stories that showed me that the boy in him never left even as he grew up. Climbing trees and falling off walls. It was while he leaned out of a railway carriage as a schoolboy back in the days of steam engines that he lost an eye. A cinder from the engine’s fire flew out and by impossibly small chance landed burning in his eye. Had he sat obediently in the carriage reading a serious book this wouldn’t have happened. Losing an eye may have seriously knocked back some, but Vigna took it in stride. Sitting obediently to avoid risk simply wasn’t in Vigna’s DNA. As the rest of his life showed.

He fought for small shareholders and depositors, the ‘little people’ with little strength of their own

This ability to treat triumph and disaster just the same was thematic of his life. As Managing Director of Hentley Garments, Vigna was a pioneer exporting shirts to the then USSR and the USA in 1965.

The successful factories he and his wife Saratha ran in Colombo were burned down in the 1983 riots. Vigna’s wife and school-aged daughter Kula went to safety in Chennai. There the two strong-willed women excelled, with Saratha building a garment business from scratch that went on to employ 500. With his family exiled by the chaos in Sri Lanka, Vigna stayed in our country. Here, he worked tirelessly to build the nation’s garment industry, increasing its vital contribution to the nation’s economy. Without factories of his own, Vigna provided advice to President Ranasinghe Premadasa and to government institutions. He also became the buyer in South Asia for leading USA brands including Sears Roebuck. In time, Vigna and Saratha rebuilt the family fortunes.

Vigna was one of the leading independent investors in Sri Lankan companies. His positions and insights in the Colombo Stock Exchange were closely followed. A trained accountant and veteran businessman in his own right, Vigna understood and could spot the irregularities going on. Unafraid of Sri Lanka’s corporate ‘Big Beasts’, Vigna relished challenging them in their own dens. Directors of some of the main companies who I also know would tell me of their nervousness when Vigna stood up in an Annual General Meeting to raise some of these issues. He wrote letters, he was interviewed on television, he spoke up to anyone who would listen and many who wouldn’t.

He was one of the leading independent investors in Sri Lankan companies. His positions and insights in the Colombo Stock Exchange were closely followed

Vigna fought for small shareholders and depositors, the ‘little people’ with little strength of their own. He was the depositors’ nominee in the restructuring of Pramuka Bank which collapsed in 2002, becoming Chairman of that committee. He served as Chairman of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI). He occupied many senior positions from Chairman to Senior Advisor of Sri Lanka Garments Exporters Association; Chairman Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED); Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka; Industrial Development Board (IDB); National Labour Advisory Council; Infrastructure and Freight Committee.

Even at a time when illness consigned him to bed, he would still get up, put on his suit and tie, and dress impeccably to attend company Annual General Meetings. Where almost all others had given up expecting fair play from the corporates, Vigna would still stand straight and tall to make his points. I think Vigna knew it would make little difference. But he wouldn’t give up. He spent a great deal of money, his health, and even his personal relationships for the sake of this crusade.

Where almost all others had given up expecting fair play from the corporates, Vigna would still stand straight and tall to make his points

Vigna was a man before his time. Now, in the wake of Aragalaya, I see people standing up against the many injustices and corruption. Famous people who had been quiet are now speaking out publicly. Vigna was a lonely voice, had he been at his prime now he would not have been alone. Now in these braver times, it is for others to continue correcting our nation for the benefit of all.

Towards the end of the day before his passing, Vigna bought some shares. As he expected, their value went up. Saratha asked why he didn’t sell and take the profit. Vigna replied, he didn’t want the market to fall.
I end this appreciation of K.C.Vignarajah with his own words used to end his letters:
Goodwill to all, malice to none,

The Courage to always do the correct thing, Fairness and equity in all thought, deed and expression.
Defend the defenceless, help the helpless;
Give voice to the voiceless, and hope to those without it, Service to fellow beings is the best form of service to God.

(By his friend, Jekhan Aruliah)