W. D. S. Abeygoonawardena

Wijesekera Don Simon Abeygoonawardena (3 October 1907 – 30 December 1975), known as W. D. S. Abeygoonawardena, was a Sri Lankan businessman and politician.^[1] He served as a Member of Parliament for the Galle electorate and as the Mayor of Galle.

Abeygoonawardena was born on 3 October 1907 in Naotunna, Matara, the third son of Wijesekara Don Diyonis Abeygoonawardena and Gimara Podi Hami (née Kaluarachchi). He received his education at St. Aloysius' College, Mahinda College, and St. Peter's College.

In 1934, Abeygoonawardena founded the Galle Motor Bus Company, regarded as the first independent bus service in the country. By 1945, he was serving as the company's managing director, overseeing a fleet of 126 buses. The company primarily operated American-manufactured Chevrolet vehicles, with some assembled at Abeygoonawardena’s garage in Pettigalawatte.[2] The service was notable for issuing tickets printed in Sinhala and for reserving seats—free of charge—for Buddhist clergy.

Abeygoonawardena entered politics in 1945, joining the Sinhala Maha Sabha at the request of S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. He became the first regional president of the party for the Galle District.

He contested the Galle electorate seat in the 3rd parliamentary election held in April 1956 but was defeated by the incumbent, Dahanayake.^[2] In the Ceylonese parliamentary election on 19 March 1960, Abeygoonawardena, representing the United National Party, defeated then-Prime Minister Dahanayake, receiving 10,480 votes (49% of the total) compared to Dahanayake's 9,997 votes.^[3] However, Abeygoonawardena lost the seat back to Dahanayake in the subsequent 5th parliamentary election held on 20 July 1960.^[4]

Six years later, Abeygoonawardena was elected unopposed to represent the Bazaar Ward on the Galle Municipal Council. He served as the Mayor of Galle from 1965 to 1970.^[5] During his tenure as Mayor, he presided over the council's centenary celebrations and made representations to Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake regarding Galle's water supply issues.

In 1970, after the United National Party did not nominate him for the Galle seat, Abeygoonawardena contested as the candidate for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He was unsuccessful, losing to the United National Party incumbent, Dahanayake. Abeygoonawardena received 20,982 votes, while Dahanayake received 22,382 votes.^[6]

Abeygoonawardena contributed to Buddhist religious activities, including the restoration of the Chaitya at Mahiyangana. He also donated 2 hectares (5 acres) of land towards the construction of the Naotunna Junior School, which he funded.

Abeygoonawardena died in Galle on 30 December 1975 at the age of 68. He was survived by his wife, who died in 2009, and their seven children. The youngest son resides at the family home, Inland Hills.

• Galle Motor Bus Company