Cyril de Zoysa
Sir Cyril de Zoysa was a prominent Sri Lankan industrialist, senator, and philanthropist who played a significant role in the 20th-century Buddhist revival movement in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He served as the President of the Senate of Ceylon from 1960 to 1965, demonstrating a commitment to both public service and the preservation of Buddhist heritage.
Key Facts
- ›Born on October 26, 1896, in Galle, Sri Lanka.
- ›Founded the South Western Bus Company in 1942 and Associated Motorways Limited in 1949.
- ›Served as President of the Senate of Ceylon from 1960 to 1965.
- ›A key leader in the Buddhist revival movement in 20th-century Sri Lanka.
- ›Founded Kalutara Vidyalaya and Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya.
- ›Died on January 2, 1978.
Important Relationships
- Sir Nicholas Attygalle
- Sir John Kotelawala
- Sir Ernest de Silva
Galle, Kalutara, Colombo
Industrialist, Politician, Philanthropist, Leader
About Cyril de Zoysa
Sir Cyril de Zoysa
Sir Cyril de Zoysa was a distinguished Sri Lankan figure, widely recognized as an industrialist, senator, and philanthropist. He played a pivotal role in the Buddhist revival movement in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the 20th century, leaving a significant mark on both the nation's business landscape and its spiritual heritage.
Life and Contributions
Born in Galle on October 26, 1896, de Zoysa received his early education at St. Thomas' College, Matara, and Richmond College, Galle, completing his secondary studies at Royal College, Colombo. He pursued legal studies at Ceylon Law College, qualifying as a proctor in 1921 and beginning his practice in Balapitiya before moving to Kalutara in 1926. His father, Solomon de Zoysa, was a notary public.
De Zoysa was a highly successful businessman. During his legal studies, he earned money by tutoring, and his early financial successes extended to founding the South Western Bus Company (later South Western Omnibus Company Limited) and establishing Associated Motorways Limited, a major conglomerate that manufactured products like Sisil refrigerators and motor vehicle tires. He also founded Associated Rubber Industries, Associated Batteries, Associated Vacu-lat, and Associated Cables.
In the political arena, de Zoysa served as the Chairman of the Kalutara Urban Council. He was elected to the Senate of Ceylon in 1947, eventually rising to the position of President of the Senate from 1960 to 1965. He was recognized for his service with a Knights Bachelor in the 1955 Birthday Honours.
His activism was deeply intertwined with his Buddhist faith. In Kalutara, a significant center for Buddhist learning and pilgrimage, he founded Kalutara Vidyalaya and Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya. Notably, he defied colonial law by lighting lamps at the Kalutara Bodhi, investing heavily in creating pilgrimage facilities and challenging authorities who sought to restrict devotees' access to the sacred tree. He was distantly related to the Sri Lankan tycoon Sir Ernest de Silva.
Sir Cyril de Zoysa passed away on January 2, 1978.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sir Cyril de Zoysa's role in the Buddhist revival movement?
Sir Cyril de Zoysa was a significant leader in the 20th-century Buddhist revival movement in Ceylon. He actively supported Buddhist learning and heritage preservation, notably by founding educational institutions and investing in pilgrimage sites like the Kalutara Bodhi.
What were Sir Cyril de Zoysa's major business ventures?
De Zoysa was a successful industrialist with diverse business interests. He founded the South Western Bus Company, which later became the South Western Omnibus Company Limited, and established Associated Motorways Limited, a major conglomerate involved in manufacturing refrigerators and tires. He also founded Associated Rubber Industries, Associated Batteries, Associated Vacu-lat, and Associated Cables.
What political positions did Sir Cyril de Zoysa hold?
Sir Cyril de Zoysa held several important political offices. He was the Chairman of the Kalutara Urban Council, elected to the Senate of Ceylon in 1947, served as Deputy President and Chairman of Committees from 1951 to 1955, and ultimately became the President of the Senate of Ceylon from 1960 to 1965.
Where did Sir Cyril de Zoysa receive his education?
Sir Cyril de Zoysa received his primary education at St. Thomas' College, Matara, and later attended Richmond College in Galle. He completed his secondary education at Royal College, Colombo, and pursued legal studies at Ceylon Law College.
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