Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆(4.5/5)
Genre: Autobiography / Sri Lankan Politics / Political Memoir

Book Review:
An Unfiltered View from the King of the Hills
''Tea and Politics'' is more than just an autobiography; it is a vital historical document that offers an unvarnished look at Sri Lanka's turbulent political landscape from a unique and powerful vantage point. S. Thondaman, the legendary leader of the Ceylon Workers' Congress and a cabinet minister for over two decades, speaks with a frankness that is both refreshing and revealing.

The book masterfully weaves together Thondaman's personal journey with the larger narrative of the plantation community's struggle for rights and recognition in Sri Lanka. From his early days in the trade union movement to his rise as the undisputed leader of the ''hill country'' Tamils, he provides a detailed account of the community's political awakening. But the book's true value lies in its unflinching political commentary. Thondaman does not shy away from offering his candid opinions on the presidents he served under, particularly his critical assessment of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa. He also provides rare insights into back-channel communications with the LTTE and his views on the failures to resolve the ethnic conflict.

Written in a direct and engaging style, ''Tea and Politics'' is an indispensable read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Sri Lankan politics, the history of the plantation sector, and the life of a man who was both a kingmaker and a voice for the voiceless. It is a testament to a life dedicated to politics, tea, and the people who pick it.