The Senanayakes of Bothale, trace our roots back to the Anuradhapura Era. As pioneers of the Independence Movement, our forefathers changed the very course of Sri Lanka, through Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake, whose courage and determination supported the call for self-governance by nationalist leaders, and elevated him to the pre-eminent status of the nation’s first Prime Minister.
Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was formerly known, was under foreign domination for well over Four Centuries. It was under the rule of various colonial powers from 1505, till its independence in 1948.
Following their invasion in the early 16th century, the Portuguese gradually continued to extend their control over the coastal regions of Sri Lanka while attempting to push further inward.
With notable family members such as the country’s first Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake, his brother F.R Senanayake, who fought hard for peaceful independence and his son, Dudley Senanayake who would uphold his father’s legacy and continue to be elected as Prime Minister four times. To more recent times R G Senanayake with the addition of both Rukman Senanayake and Vasantha Senanayake, strong candidates and revered leaders, the “Senanayake” name continues to forge ahead within the political sphere of Sri Lanka.
D. S. Senanayake (1884-1952)
“He was a man of great personal strength of character, yet of profound humanity and humility, unspoiled by the high distinctions he enjoyed. He belonged to the soil and all things of the soil. He loved all living things with a depth, which only those who belong to the soil can feel.” – Percy Spender, Former Australian Ambassador.
D.S. Senanayake was the man who architected the destiny of a nation and single handedly facilitated the smooth transition from semi-colony to independence with great charm and determination. He was the Chief Spokesperson for Ceylon in the transference of power, securing himself the pre-eminent position of first Prime Minister.
Bothale is a small village in the Hapitigame Korale of the Negombo district in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It’s here that the Senanayake family established our roots, dating back to the Anuradhapura Era in AD 253-266.
“He was a man of great personal strength of character, yet of profound humanity and humility, unspoiled by the high distinctions he enjoyed. He belonged to the soil and all things of the soil. He loved all living things with a depth, which only those who belong to the soil can feel.” – Percy Spender, […]
“A time like this demands, Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; Men whom the lust of office does not kill; Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; men who will not lie”
