Naganather Canaganayagam

Naganather Canaganayagam
Born	(1892-05-27) May 27, 1892 Kopay, Jaffna, Ceylon
Died	January 1, 1967(1967-01-01) (aged 74)
Occupation(s)	Banker, planter, politician
Years active	1912–1945
Known for	First Tamil Mayor of Kandy

Naganather Canaganayagam CBE, JP, FREconS (27 May 1892 – 1 January 1967) was a prominent Ceylonese banker, planter, and political figure, recognized as the inaugural Tamil Mayor of Kandy in 1942.

Originating from Kopay in Jaffna, he was the son of Atikar Ambalavaner Naganather CBE, JP, UM (1850–1953), who was notable as a banker and owner of rubber plantations. Canaganayagam received his education at Saint Joseph's College, Colombo, where he distinguished himself in Latin, French, and Physics. After a brief period at Ceylon Medical School, he transitioned into the banking sector. In 1912, he succeeded his father as head shroff at the National Bank of India's Nuwara Eliya branch. He successfully completed the Institute of Bankers associate examination in 1925 and earned Fellowship with the Royal Economic Society. Later that year, he relocated to the bank’s Kandy branch and continued there until his retirement.

He was elected to represent Ward #9 (Wevelpitiya) on the inaugural Kandy Municipal Council in 1939 and served until 1945. His leadership roles included deputy mayor in 1941 and subsequently mayor in 1942, marking him as the council’s first Tamil to hold this office. Beyond politics, Canaganayagam engaged actively with religious and community organizations and held memberships in groups such as the Planters' Association, Low Country Planters' Association, and the advisory committee for the Kandy National Museum.

The British Government of Ceylon honored him with the title of Gate Mudliyar. Additionally, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1951 and was elevated to Commander of the British Empire in 1955 in recognition of his public service contributions.

Canaganayagam passed away on 1 January 1967 at the age of 74. In tribute to his legacy, a Rs. 100 postage stamp featuring his likeness was issued in 1992 to honor him as a National Hero. The Department of Economics and Statistics at the University of Peradeniya annually awards an economics prize bearing his name.

External links

• Kandy Municipal Council