Arthur Vincent Dias | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 10, 1886 |
| Died | July 31, 1960 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Other names | Kos Mama |
| Education | St Thomas' College St. John's College Panadura |
| Occupation | Planter |
| Known for | Independence activist Pioneered jackfruit propagation campaign |
| Spouse | Grace Salgado |
| Parent(s) | P. Jeremias Dias Selestina Rodrigo |
Arthur Vincent Dias (10 February 1886 – 31 July 1960), commonly known as Arthur V. Dias, was a philanthropist, temperance movement member and an independence activist of Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon).[1] A planter by profession, he is known for the jackfruit propagation campaign he pioneered throughout the country, which earned him the name "Kos Mama" (Sin. ''Jack Fruit Uncle'). A national hero of Sri Lanka, Dias also helped a number of educational establishments in the country. Before Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule, he was imprisoned by the colonial government and sentenced to death, although he was later released.
- ^ Fernando, Nalin; Sameer, Firoze (31 July 2009). "Arthur Dias - A man for all seasons". Daily News. Archived from the original on 27 March 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.