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"I am much grieved over the news of demise of comrade H. G. S. Rathnaweera who was a pioneering leader of the progressive movement, people-friendly political leader, progressive writer as well as a popular orator on the political platform" said President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in a condolence message over the demise of H. G. S. Rathnaweera.

"He was the most popular speaker on the political platform for about four decades till 1994. For the victory of progressive forces at the general elections held in 1960, 1970 and 1994, his speeches which were full of political vision mixed with humour were the deciding factor.

I have personally witnessed how the masses were eagerly waiting to listen to him."

"When the then United Front government collapsed in 1964, in a rally held at Galle Face, it was announced that an alternative newspaper would be launched called 'Aththa', which was a brainchild of comrade H.G.S.

As the consultant editor of Aththa his services to the art of political reporting is immortal. He was not only a writer, but also a translator of many classical political publications and he produced many Sinhala words to the political glossary.

"H.G.S. was a personal friend of mine. I recall how we had many discussions in a small room at his house when Vijaya and myself were busy in organising to establish the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party. It was an important factor to build up the unity of progressive forces. Comrades K. P. Silva, Y. P. Silva and D. E. W. Gunasekera also participated with us in these discussions.

"I offer my condolences over to his son, daughter and other bereaved relatives, the Sri Lanka Communist Party and to the Aththa.

May he attain Nibbana!

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