Educated at Royal College, Colombo, Arumugam Thondaman represented the Nuwara Eliya District in Parliament and was one of the most prominent and popular politicians from the estate areas. He represented the interests of Tamils of Indian origin and just a few hours before his death, had met the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley to discuss the Indian Housing Project in the plantation sector and the Jaffna Cultural Centre.

Over a political career spanning almost three decades, Thondaman held a number of different ministerial portfolios in different governments in addition to holding the leadership of the CWC. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed him as the Minister of Community Empowerment and Estate Infrastructure Development in recognition of his contribution towards the plantation community.

He had met Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa a few hours before his death. In a tweet that followed his visit to the Talangama Hospital to condole with the late minister’s relatives, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said: “Just a few hours ago we sat together reminiscing memories we shared. I am shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of my dear friend and colleague, Arumugam Thondaman. My deepest condolences go out to his family. You will be missed dear friend.

dailynews