M. S. Simon de Silva (1885–1958) of Gintota & East Africa
By Dr. Lalitha de Silva, Geetha Premaratne, K. K. de Silva M. S. Simon de Silva ( 1885–1958) of Gintota & East Africa Royal Jeweller to the H. H. The Sultan of Zanzibar in the early 1900s Introduction Mutuwa Sarukkalige Simon de Silva was an astute businessman, a well-known landed proprietor, a pioneer industrialist & a benevolent philanthropist from Gintota. His family name Sarukkalige is an ancient Karawa ancestral name that reflects a strong historical association with naval warriors, seafarers and coastguards.( The Karava people of Sri Lanka , 17 April 2024 , The "Sarukkali" Ancestral Name of Karava families) Early Life in East Africa Born at Gintota in 1885, Simon de Silva ventured overseas early in his life and established business enterprises in Zanzibar, Nyasaland (Malawi) and other East African countries. His career as a jeweller and businessman is mentioned in many East African trade journals of the era. Of spec...