Sunday Times 2
Tribute to Uncle Baba on his 78th birthday – Appreciations
View(s):Anthony A. Page
On the occasion of the 78th birth anniversary (March 21) of my late uncle, Anthony Page, fondly known as Uncle Baba, I remember him with much love and respect. An inspiring and, when needed, a strict uncle to my sister Anita and me. He was my godfather, and he fulfilled his role with love and devotion. He was always present with advice and guidance, especially at significant landmarks throughout our childhood.
In addition to his own family, he was loyal and devoted to the well-being of all his siblings, my mother Cecilia being one among seven of them. and all his other nephews and nieces. To his friends he was always there to lend an understanding ear or a helping hand. Uncle Baba treated all people with warmth and affection and is fondly remembered by all who knew him.
As a businessman, his legacy and contribution to the CT Holdings Group of companies are best summarised in the chairman’s statements issued after his death by his brother and current chairman, Louis Page, who wrote the following:
CT Holdings PLC
“It is with a deep sense of sadness that I record the passing of our former Chairman Emeritus, Mr Anthony A. Page, fondly known to all as Baba. Anthony succeeded our late father, Mr Albert Page, who himself succeeded Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner – the founder of CT Holdings PLC, then known as Ceylon Theatres Limited. They all shared a powerful vision: for the group to be an association dedicated to the welfare of its descendants, employees, shareholders, partners, and society at large.
“Anthony joined Ceylon Theatres in 1971, at a time when significant challenges loomed over the local film industry. In 1972, with the establishment of the State Film Corporation, the state progressively took over the import and distribution of films. This left Ceylon Theatres – the pioneer in Sri Lanka’s film industry – and its associate Ceylon Studios, then in partnership with Mr K. Gunaratnam, as exhibitors only. Following this nationalisation, the industry declined significantly until a limited liberalisation emerged in the early 2000s.
“Anthony was a steadfast advocate for the liberalisation of the film industry – guided by appropriate censorship – and encouraged the production of quality Sinhala cinema. Today, we are beginning to see a meaningful improvement in the standards of local films. In keeping with the vision of our late chairman, it is our intention to actively contribute to the revitalisation of the local film industry.
“In 1980, Ceylon Theatres made a strategic decision to re-establish its majority shareholding in Millers Limited and Cargills (Ceylon) PLC. Following this, Anthony was appointed Executive Director of Ceylon Theatres in 1981 and, subsequently, Executive Director of Millers and Director of Cargills. In 1984, he became Managing Director of Ceylon Theatres and, in 2000, was appointed Chairman of the group. In 2014, he was named Chairman Emeritus.
“Throughout his career at CT Holdings, Anthony was a pillar of strength to the Board of Directors and a source of guidance and mentorship to many. His quiet resolve, strategic insight, and enduring commitment to the group and its people have left an indelible mark on our legacy.
“I am certain Anthony would echo my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the group – past and present – for their dedication and service to our shared purpose. To our shareholders who continue to support the vision of our patriarch, Mr Albert Page, we reaffirm our commitment that the group will continue to be led by the best executive talent, guided always by meritocracy – an ideal Anthony deeply believed in.”
Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
“It is with profound sadness that I note the passing of our former Chairman—and my brother—Mr Anthony Page, fondly known to all as Baba. Anthony joined the Board of Cargills (Ceylon) PLC in 1981, following a decisive moment in our history when Ceylon Theatres Limited (now CT Holdings PLC) acquired a majority stake in Millers Limited, then the holding company of Cargills. In 1982, when I was also working at the company, I persuaded my brother—and our current deputy chairman—Ranjit to join Cargills from Cornells Supermarkets, where he was employed at the time. This ultimately led to the establishment of our first supermarket at Staple Street in October 1983. It was our then general manager, Mr Markar, who proposed the name “Food City”, connecting it to “Majestic City”, which was proposed to be developed by the Group.
“I mention this to borrow the words of Shakespeare’s Mark Antony: ‘The good that men do is oft interred with their bones.’ Let us not forget the immense contributions of individuals like Mr Markar and, of course, Mr Priya Edirisinghe, who was a tower of strength to both my late father, Mr Albert Page, and to my brother Anthony. There are also many other fine individuals who supported and built this organisation—then and now—whose efforts continue to shape our journey. The company’s growth paralleled a period of rising consumer demand and economic expansion in the country. With that came a wave of new opportunities—some successful, others not—but each offering us valuable lessons.
“Anthony Page was appointed a director and, in February 1991, became deputy chairman. He played a pivotal role in shaping the company during those early years. Anthony succeeded our late father, Mr Albert Page, who himself succeeded Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner – who led the colonisation of Millers and Cargills. They all shared a vision for the Group to be an association dedicated to the welfare of Albert Page’s descendants, team members, shareholders, partners, and society at large.
“Under Anthony’s early chairmanship, the company’s rapid expansion brought with it several operational challenges. He correctly identified inventory management as a key constraint and introduced systems that significantly improved our stocking practices—frameworks that remain in use to this day. His disciplined approach to financial management and his deep focus on supporting Sri Lanka’s national development were both strategic and purpose-driven.
“He stepped down as chairman of Cargills in March 2008 but continued to serve as a director with unwavering commitment. His invaluable contribution to the Group will always be remembered and upheld. I am certain he would echo my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the organisation—past and present—for their service and belief in our collective purpose.
“To our shareholders who continue to support the vision of our patriarch, Mr Albert Page, we reaffirm our commitment: the Group will continue to be led by the best executive talent, guided always by meritocracy—an ideal Anthony deeply valued.”
CT Land Development PLC
“It is with a profound sense of sadness that I also acknowledge the passing of our former Chairman, Mr Anthony A. Page, fondly known as Baba.
“Anthony Page had been a founder director of CT Land Development Plc since 1983. It was the sheer determination of the late Mr Albert A. Page, ably assisted by Anthony Page, that gave the City of Colombo this iconic building, which was built during some of the darkest days of Sri Lanka in 1983 and then expanded in 1989, when confidence in the country was at a low ebb. Anthony Page took a particular interest in establishing the financial controls that have served us well. We remember with gratitude his pride and dedication to the success of Majestic City.”
As we celebrate his 78th birth anniversary, we carry forward his legacy of integrity, meritocracy, and warmth, ensuring that the “Uncle Baba” we knew continues to inspire everything we do.
Praveen Emmanuel Muttukumaru