16 Facts About Meryl Fernando

Weerahennedige Theodore Wilfred Meryl Fernando was a Ceylonese teacher, trade unionist, politician and Member of Parliament.

Meryl Fernando was educated at Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa.

Meryl Fernando had two children - Sharmalie Nimalka Nagle and Arosha.

Meryl Fernando met Edmund Samarakkody, with whom he would be politically associated with for most of his life, whilst working for the BLPI.

Meryl Fernando worked for the Moratuwa branch of the Kelaniya Match Workers Union for two decades and served as the branch's secretary for several years.

Meryl Fernando organised workers at the Velona Garment Factory and the Lanka Light Match Factory in Moratuwa.

Meryl Fernando was elected to Moratuwa Urban Council in 1950 as the LSSP member for Koralawella Ward.

Meryl Fernando was a member of Moratuwa Urban Council until 1967 and served as its chairman.

Meryl Fernando stood as the LSSP candidate in Moratuwa at the 1956 parliamentary election.

Meryl Fernando did not have a car and traveled to Parliament by bus.

Meryl Fernando lost his seat at the March 1960 parliamentary election but re-gained it at the July 1960 parliamentary election.

Meryl Fernando stood as the LSSP candidate in Moratuwa at the 1965 parliamentary election but failed to get re-elected.

Samarakkody fell out with LSSP leader Tampoe and in 1968 left the party, together with Meryl Fernando, and founded the Revolutionary Sama Samaja Party.

Meryl Fernando stood as a candidate in Moratuwa at the 1977 parliamentary election but again failed to get re-elected.

Meryl Fernando took an active role in the 1980 general strike.

Meryl Fernando died on 27 May 2007 at his home in Koralawella, Moratuwa.