History of Sri Lanka/Ponnambalam Arunachalam

Sir Ponnambalam Arunachchalam (14 September 1853 – 9 January 1924) was a Ceylonese statesman, who served as a member of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council.

Early life

His father was Gate Mudaliyar Arunachalam Ponnambalam and mother was Sellachchi Ammaiyar. He was the third son of their parents and the younger brother of Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan who was another famous Ceylon Tamil leader. He was educated at the Colombo Academy (Royal College Colombo), Colombo, and at Christ's College, Cambridge.

He married Swarnambal Namasivayam and had three sons, Sir Arunachalam Mahadeva, KCMG; Sivananthan Arunachalam and Arunachalam Ramanathan.

Career

He was one of the first Ceylonese to enter the Ceylon Civil Service in 1875. He was appointed General in 1887. He showed his positive work in all the positions he held. On his retirement from the Public Service in 1913, he was honored in recognition of his service to the country. He was also nominated by the Governor to a seat in the Executive Council.