Thondaman’s inspirational presence and political sagacity will be deeply missed by his people: President

In his condolence message on Minister Arumugam Thondaman, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said Minister Thondaman’s inspirational presence and political sagacity will be deeply missed by his people.  
“I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Arumugam Thondaman, Leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) and the Minister of Community Empowerment and Estate Infrastructure Development who served the best interests of the downtrodden plantation workers belonging to all the communities.  

He carried forward the mission pioneered by his illustrious grandfather Savumiamoorthy Thondaman and worked relentlessly to remove the grievances of the upcountry Tamil community.   

While Mr. Thondaman recognized the imperative need to solve the problems faced by the Tamil community, he steadfastly refused to subscribe to the notion of a Separate State for Tamils in this country despite the heavy pressure exerted by the powerful terrorist organisation which existed at that time.  

Minister Thondaman continued his grandfather’s endeavour to uplift the living standards of the plantation community, which was then considered as stereotyped emaciated labourers. Today the community produces professionals in every field thanks to the struggle commenced by Savumiamoorthy and carried forward by Arumugam.   

He was a keen watcher and student of inter-play between political parties and strategies and his immediate concern was the rights of the people he represented as their undisputed leader.   

I convey my deep condolences on the demise of this true son of Sri Lanka.   

May God give peace to his soul!,” President Rajapaksa said.  

He carried forward the mission pioneered by his illustrious grandfather to uplift the living standards of the plantation community