An Analysis of Historical and Social Contributions Made by D. S. Senanayake to the Temperance Movement in Sri Lanka

The study focuses on the historical and social impact of D. S. Senanayake’s contribution to the temperance movement. Under British rule in Ceylon, the production and consumption of alcohol expanded rapidly. This issue had also existed during the Portuguese and Dutch periods. The consumption of toddy and arrack led to several economic and social problems. The British administration modernized the existing excise policy, further aggravating the situation. As a result, the native people of Ceylon suffered severe consequences due to the toddy and arrack industry. In response, patriotic Buddhist monks and laypeople united to fight against this issue. The temperance movement began in 1890 in the Southern Province, organized by P. A. de Silva. However, this initial attempt was unsuccessful. Subsequently, under the leadership of D. S. Senanayake, a meeting was convened with others who opposed the British rulers’ promotion of alcohol production and consumption. D.S. Senanayake emerged as a pioneering and active member of the temperance movement. The primary objective of this paper is to analyze D. S. Senanayake’s role in the formation of temperance societies. The research problem focuses on identifying both the positive and negative aspects of alcohol consumption among people. Alcohol consumption has caused numerous negative effects on the community. Even women became addicted, which led to widespread social and economic problems within families. At the same time, alcohol production contributed to the emergence of a capital-accumulating class. The temperance movement, organized by D. S. Senanayake and other patriotic leaders, helped to foster an anti-British sentiment among the Ceylonese people. His significant contribution played a key role in the success of the temperance movement in Ceylon.