Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner
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Sir Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner (1896-1960) was a Sri Lankan businessman.
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[edit] Biography
[edit] Early life
Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner was born in 1896, son of Samuel Vairamuttu Gardiner and Salomapillai Vairamuttu Gardiner, daughter of Gabrielpillai Bastiampillai. The family was originally from Achchuveli and Manipay in Jaffna; later, they lived in Colombo. Chevalier Sir Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner was a Law student when he became interested in business ventures.
[edit] Career
Gardiner was in control of several prominent business establishments in the Island. Besides being the pioneer cinema promoter in the country, he had interests in other undertakings including Cargill’s and Millers. His most successful venture was the Ceylon Theatres Ltd. He chose entertainment as his field of business and founded Ceylon Theatres on 29 September 1928, for which he is remembered today. The concern holds interests all over Ceylon. He was a keen Rotarian, helped many, and made generous endowments to charitable organisations.
In recognition of his valuable services to the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope made him a Knight of St. Sylvester in 1947. He was appointed to the Senate of Ceylon, the Upper House of the Parliament in 1947. He was also a keen racehorse owner and his horse won the much-coveted Governors Cup in 1947.
[edit] Marriage and children
Sir Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner married Miss Angeline Casie Chetty, daughter of Aloysius Mount Casie Chetty. They had a son named Cyril Aloysius Gardiner. He married Mavis Henry, daughter of Henry.
[edit] Death and afterward
Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner remained Chairman of Ceylon Theatres until his death in 1960. Tribute was paid to him and his service in the field of entertainment was recognised when Parson’s Road was named “Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha” in his honour.
