Arthur V. Dias
Arthur Vincent Dias | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 10, 1886 St. John's College Panadura |
| Occupation | Planter |
| Known for | Independence activist Pioneered jackfruit propagation campaign |
| Spouse | Grace Salgado |
| Parent(s) | P. Jeremias Dias Selestina Rodrigo |
Arthur Vincent Dias (10 February 1886 – 31 July 1960), commonly known as Arthur V. Dias, was a philanthropist, temperance movement member and an independence activist of Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon).[1] A planter by profession, he is known for the jackfruit propagation campaign he pioneered throughout the country, which earned him the name "Kos Mama" (Sin. ''Jack Fruit Uncle'). A national hero of Sri Lanka, Dias also helped a number of educational establishments in the country. Before Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule, he was imprisoned by the colonial government and sentenced to death, although he was later released.
Personal life
Arthur Vincent Dias was born on 10 February 1886 to a wealthy family in
Temperance movement
The
When riots broke out in the country in 1915 between Sinhalese and Moors, Dias, along with the leaders of the temperance movement, was arrested on suspicion of supporting the riots. Dias was sentenced to death, which was later reduced to imprisonment for life. However, he was later fined and released,[1] as were the others.[3] After being freed from prison, he pledged to dedicate himself for gaining independence for Ceylon from British rule. Dias continued his temperance activities after the country gained independence as well, and strongly objected to Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake about serving liquor at the official independence day celebrations.[1]
Nationalism and philanthropy
Dias wore a white banian and cloth instead of western clothing, and encouraged writing and signing in
He also contributed significantly to education in the country. Dias was a member of the first board of governors of Visakha Vidyalaya, and helped Ananda College financially. Other schools that received help from Dias include the Nalanda College, Dharmaraja College and Dharmasoka College.[1] He also donated a plot of land for the Sri Sumangala College in Panadura, on which the school was built.[4]
Jackfruit propagation campaign
Dias started a jackfruit propagation campaign on 11 June 1918,
References
- ^ a b c d e f Fernando, Nalin; Sameer, Firoze (31 July 2009). "Arthur Dias - A man for all seasons". Daily News. Archived from the original on 27 March 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ Perera, Janaka (13 July 2009). "'Mathata Thitha' 100 years ago". The Island. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ a b de Silva, Nilika (4 February 2001). "Sri Lankans - independent or dependent on alcohol?". Sunday Times. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ Wijenayaka, Walter (3 March 2009). "Sri Sumangala College, Panadura celebrates 100 years". The Island. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ Fernando, Vimukthi (9 June 2002). "Jak tree planting to commence on Tuesday". Sunday Observer. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ Gunawardena, Edward (8 August 2009). "Honouring Arthur V. Dias". Daily News. Archived from the original on 13 August 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2010.