Mentor to many planters
Anton Rajendram, a product of Holy Family Convent, Jaffna commenced his career with the Ceylon Planters’ Society (CPS) in 1945 – just nine years after the birth of the organisation. He worked tirelessly under six secretaries – some from the judiciary and others from the civil service. After nearly 30 years of service and in recognition of his unswerving dedication and loyalty, he was appointed as the Secretary of the CPS in 1974.
Among his key achievements were increasing the membership from around 650 to 1350, steering the finances which were in the red to make CPS a profitable entity and launching the quarterly CPS magazine. Anton was an expert in industrial law and the management of labour disputes. A mentor and advisor to many planters, he often worked till very late and on weekends preparing drafts, writing erudite letters of rebuttal and counselling planters on both official and domestic matters.
He took it upon himself to manage the communication with private estates and employers based out of the UK and even advised the Directors of Agency Houses: in this connection he asserted that the planter cannot have two masters and should be assessed by the Visiting Agent and not the Working Director. He played a key role in establishing contact with the Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust and maintained close industrial relations with almost all trade unions.
Later in his career he was appointed advisor and committee member of the Planters Association (PA) and invited to join several welfare societies in an honorary capacity. Extremely diplomatic in his dealings he had the skills and temperament to maintain close relationships with diverse stakeholders across the tea, rubber and coconut industries.
He made it his key priority to defend the rights of the planters. At the time of nationalisation of plantations, under the Land Reform Commission Acts 1 and 2, the salaries of planters were to be reduced from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 400. With the help of a formidable legal team, Anton managed to quell this proposal. He also fought hard to rescind around 40 other bills and was successful in retaining many of the benefits that were accorded to planters from the Agency Houses. I am personally aware that only Anton had access to the powerful minister who was the driving force behind nationalisation (who famously held the view that as far as planters go, that the club was their temple and Bacchus was their god).
‘Daytona’ located in Ampitiya, Kandy, was the magnificent edifice that was headquarters to the CPS from its inception in 1936. It contained a separate apartment which was the Secretary’s official residence. Daytona was a hub of activity over the weekends with planters flocking in. Unfortunately, the CPS headquarters was shifted to Ratmalana and Daytona, which was an icon of the CPS for almost 50 years was relinquished. It is a boutique hotel today.
Anton was compelled to retire after 43 years of distinguished service as he did not wish to relocate.
Among Anton’s other accomplishments were establishing relations with ILO Geneva: he would have represented the CPS in Geneva had he continued in service. He was bestowed an honorary role as adviser to the Insurance Corporation and even offered a diplomatic posting by Gen. Ranjan Wijeratne, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time.
Anton was also a prolific writer, contributing to several local and international magazines and newspapers.
Anton fought injustice and unfair work demands throughout his entire career. He stood steadfastly by the CPS motto to secure the personal and professional interests of the planters while ensuring the prosperity of proprietors. As the longest serving Secretary and an integral part of CPS history, on behalf of past and present planters I salute Anton for his outstanding contribution towards the planters and the plantation industry in general.