Hon. A. Sabapathy – Tamil Leader, Visionary & Cultural Icon

Early Life & Contributions

Late Honourable Mr. A. Sabapathy was born in 1853 in Thalaiyali, a small village nestled between Vannarpennai and Kokkuvil. A man of many parts, he stood tall among the personalities of his time.

He was a prominent educationist and one of the founders of Jaffna Hindu College and other affiliated Hindu institutions. His efforts preserved Hindu identity by providing alternatives to Christian missionary education.

Mr. Sabapathy was also one of the wealthiest men in Ceylon and a generous philanthropist who never turned away anyone seeking help. He held a virtual monopoly over the Malayalam tobacco trade.

Political & Journalistic Legacy

Mr. Sabapathy served as President of the Jaffna Association and was a member of the Ceylon Legislative Council during British rule. He was a fierce advocate for human rights during colonial times.

As a journalist, he edited the Hindu Organ for nearly 25 years. His legendary debates with Armond De Souza of the Times showcased his intellect and commitment to Tamil causes.

Family Lineage & Legacy

On his father's side, Mr. Sabapathy descended from a line of wealthy Chettiars starting with Veerappan Chettiar, who arrived in Ceylon in the late 18th century. His son Murugan Chettiar moved from Araly to Vannarpannai and had four children.

The eldest, Govindan, studied medicine in the UK and became a surgeon in Batticaloa, where his family rose to prominence. A major road in Batticaloa is named after Dr. Covington.

Arunasalam Chettiar – The Patriarch

Arunasalam Chettiar, known as Periya Chettiar, was Mr. Sabapathy’s father. He settled in Thalaiyali and built a thriving import-export business, trading with India, Burma, and Malaysia. He even owned a ship for regular trade with Burma.

He married the daughter of Sithamparapillai, who traced his lineage to the Pillais of Thirunelveli in India.

Marriage & Cultural Heritage

Mr. A. Sabapathy married Sinnamma, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Saravanamuthu Udayar of Vannarpannai East. Mr. Saravanamuthu was the acting Maniyagar of Jaffna.

His wife hailed from the noble clan of Iru Marapum Thooya Thaninayaga Mudali, who migrated to Jaffna with the Chola Kings. She arrived at her wedding in a palanquin, accompanied by a retinue of servitors, reflecting her regal heritage.

Legacy of Leadership & Eminence

Even by Thalaiyali’s illustrious record of producing prominent personalities, Honourable A. Sabapathy (fondly known as Ponnar) retains pride of place. His legacy as a politician, journalist, philanthropist, and social activist has few equals across the island.

Born in 1853 into a family of wealth and prestige, his father M. Arunasalam Chettiar was one of Jaffna’s wealthiest men, owning ships and trading with Burma and India. His uncle Saravanamuthu held the title of Udayar of Vannar Pannai East and served as acting Maniagar of Jaffna.

Dr. M. Covington, his father’s elder brother, was Sri Lanka’s first British-educated medical professional. Covington Road in Batticaloa is named in his honor.

Education, Charity & Cultural Revival

Mr. Sabapathy studied at Jaffna Central College and was deeply involved in philanthropy. In the 1880s, he became a founding member of the Saiva Paripalana Sabha, which helped preserve Tamil Saiva heritage and founded Jaffna Hindu College.

He managed Jaffna Hindu College from 1913 to 1924. In tribute, “Sabapathy House” was named in his honor at the college and affiliated schools.

He also lobbied for a National University in Jaffna and played a key role in the Tamil Hindu Renaissance, organizing Swami Vivekananda’s visit in 1897, which catalyzed Tamil nationalism.

Political Vision & Tamil Aspirations

Mr. Sabapathy led the Jaffna Association, advocating for decentralized governance. He served on committees for roads, hospitals, railways, and even helped establish Jaffna’s first animal hospital.

In 1917, he became the second Tamil member of the Legislative Council. He negotiated for Tamil autonomy and was a founding Vice President of the Tamil Mahajana Sabha in 1921.

Despite betrayal by Sinhala leaders over seat allocations, he remained committed to Tamil unity and progress.

Food Security & Agricultural Transformation

During the 1919–1920 drought, Mr. Sabapathy led a delegation to India to secure food aid. He emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in Ceylon and Jaffna.

He and Sir Ponnampalam Ramanathan cleared forest land in Killinochi, transforming it into rice fields. Of the 1000 acres cleared, he donated 900 acres to the Government Farm, making Killinochi the “Rice Bowl” of the North East.

The Editor Sabapathy – Voice of the People

As editor of the Hindu Organ and Hindu Sadanam, Mr. Sabapathy gave voice to Saiva Tamils. His editorials tackled child labor, caste issues, and Tamil political aspirations.

The Hindu Organ became the most widely read paper in the North East. Even Sinhala leaders awaited its publication. His editorial legacy remains unmatched.

Though the paper declined after his death, his impact as Editor Sabapathy endures.

Enduring Legacy

More than 80 years after his passing, Hon. A. Sabapathy’s legacy continues to inspire. The main road in Thalaiyali is fittingly named after him—a lasting tribute to a man who shaped Tamil identity, education, and political thought in Sri Lanka.