One of Sri Lanka’s most illustrious politicians, Sir John Kotelawala CH, KBE, LLD was Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister from 1953 to 1956. Erect and soldierly in his bearing, ‘Sir John’ as he was affectionately known was undoubtedly one of the most colourful personalities of his time He loved horses and took great pleasure in his morning rides.
During his tenure as Prime Minieter, Sir John was very much in the news. He organised ‘a grand welcome’ to Queen Elizabeth who visited the island in April 1954 with the Duke of Edinburgh.
His political career aside, Sir John Kotelawala was also seen as quite a dandy; a handsome debonair gentleman of his time. Distinguished in his ceremonial attire, Sir John was able to cause quite a flutter amongst the ladies in his circle and those in visiting delegations.
Ruggedly charming, his love of women was no secret. The ‘Women’s Purple Brigade’ purportedly the female political wing of the UNP, was more a swarm of social butterflies, endowed with beauty who fluttered around Sir John, enamoured by his rugged good look and dapper style.
Former ‘Observer’ editor, Tarzie Vittachi, in his popular Sunday column, ‘Fly-By-Night’, titillated readers with tales of Sir John’s ‘Oo-la-las’. Even as the Head of State, he could not suppress his naughty side. Fashion photographer, Rienzie Wijeratne, relates the story of the 1954 Queen’s visit to Ceylon. The wind was playing havoc with the regal skirt. To hell with protocol. “Ganin Yako, ganin”, the Prime Minister commanded. And Rienzie shot the Royal leg. Sir John’s name was linked to the famous, if not infamous, ‘Mountain Rest’, the Diyatalawa hideout of Victor Dhanapala, where celebrities such as Elizabeth Sellers were known to haunt in gossip-rousing activity. In parliament one day, when Sir John was Prime Minister, he said something in French. “Where did you learn that?” an opposition member shouted. “Under the blankets in Paris”, Sir John shot back. “Where else do you think?” the exchange was expunged from the ’Hansard’.
Stories abound about the legendary Sir John and his penchant for beautiful ladies including Princess Margaret, who it was rumoured had a dalliance with the legendary Laird of Kandawela as he was also known,wrote journalist Tina Gunawardana
