Tony Peries: First Lankan Director of George Steuarts

When a young Sri Lankan walked into the office of George Steuart on February 1, 1953, no one is likely to have imagined that he would become not only the first Sri Lankan Chairman of what was then essentially a British firm, but also the youngest man to hold that important office.

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The young man, whose name was John Francis Anthony Paul Peries, and was generally known as Tony Peries, had been edu cated at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, and had applied for a post as a trainee Tea Taster. His father, W. Peries, a Director of Mackwoods, was held in the highest esteem in agency circles.

At that time D.C Wilson was Chairman of George Steuarts and the other British Directors were Gourlay, Kerr, McLeod, Nelson, and Gilmour.

In keeping with a practice that went back to the earliest days of the firm the Directors decided that the young recruit should sign Articles of Agreement and the wording of this document is strongly reminiscent of the Deed of Indenture which Capt. James Steuart, the founder of the firm, signed with his father in 1805 Agreement which Peries and the Directors signed was:

Articles of Agreement

Made the first day of February one thousand nine hundred and fifty three between D.C. Wilson, WH. Gourlay, C.G.C. Kerr, A.D McLeod,, C.M. Nelson, and R.J Gilmour carrying on business under the -name and style of George Steuart and Company at 45, Queen Street, Colombo 1 {hereinafter called the employers) of the first part and John Francis Anthony Paul Peries of 7, Elibank Road, Colombo 5 {herein after called the said apprentice) of the second part.