S. Rajaratnam (Ceylonese lawyer)

S. Rajaratnam (25 February 1915 – 22 February 2006) was a Singaporean politician who served as the nation's first Foreign Minister from 1965 to 1980. Born in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), he was of Tamil descent.

Rajaratnam received his early education in Ceylon and later studied at Raffles College in Singapore. He subsequently pursued a law degree in London, although he did not complete it. During his time in London, he became actively involved in anti-colonial movements.

Upon returning to Singapore, Rajaratnam joined the People's Action Party (PAP) in 1954 and became a key figure in Singapore's struggle for independence. He played a pivotal role in the merger of Singapore with Malaysia in 1963 and the subsequent separation in 1965.

As Foreign Minister, Rajaratnam was instrumental in establishing Singapore's diplomatic relations with other nations and promoting its interests on the world stage. He was a strong advocate for regional cooperation and played a significant part in the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967.

Beyond his role as Foreign Minister, Rajaratnam also held other ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Culture and Minister for Labour. He retired from Parliament in 1988 but remained an influential figure in Singaporean politics until his death. He is remembered for his intellectual contributions, his commitment to multiracialism, and his contributions to Singapore's nation-building efforts. His writings and speeches reflect his vision for a prosperous and harmonious Singapore.