Hittetiyage rendered memorable service to the people - President

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a condolence message issued on the death of Southern Development Authority Chairman Danny Hittetiyage said he was deeply shocked and grieved to hear about the death of Hittetiyage at the hands of an assailant.

Hittetiyage who entered active politics in 1974 was elected as a member of the Southern Provincial Council representing the Sri Lanka Communist Party in 1988.

Thereafter rendered a memorable service to the people in the Southern Province for nearly two decades by getting elected to the Southern Provincial Council four times and holding several ministerial portfolios.

The interest shown by the people of the Matara district to follow and adhere to the politics of Hittetiyage symbolised by honesty, fearlessness and change and the victories given to him are salient features inherited by a popular leader of our era.

Hittetiyage who acted as a pilot of the People's Alliance in the Matara District rendered a great service towards humane politics winning accolades from the people of the Southern Province.

The President said "personally he could never forget the active commitment made by Hittetiyage to ensure his victory at the last Presidential election."

"Although he is no more he has added an honourable meaning to the Sri Lankan Political dictionary through the services he rendered as my Co-ordinating Secretary when I was Prime Minister and in his capacity as SDA chairman."

Danny Hittetiyage's death is an irreparable loss to the Government, people of the Southern Province and the progressive political movement. The President in his message expressed his deepest sympathies to Hittetiyage's wife Mrs. Wimala Wijetunga, children Sathischandra, Wimali and Pavithra, relatives, friends and residents of the area.

May my friend Danny Hittetiyage attain the bliss of Nibbana, the President's message said.