Merryl Fernando's funeral today

MORATUWA: Funeral of Theodore Wilfred Merryl Fernando, former NLSSP Member of Parliament will take place today at 5.00 p.m. at the General cemetery, Rawathawatta, Moratuwa. Merryl, will leave his wife Wimala, children Nimalka and Arosha and sons-in law.

He was born on April 18, 1923. He had his early education at the Prince of Wales, Moratuwa and having passed the London Inter Science (Econ) he followed a Teacher Training Course in 1954, at the Training College, Maharagama.

Entering active politics he contested the Moratuwa Urban Council Election on LSSP ticket in 1951 and continued to serve Moratuwa as the UC Member and its Chairman as well.

Contesting the General Election in 1956 on the NLSSP ticket, he defeated the then NLSSP sitting Member Somaweera Chandrasiri who contested as an Independent candidate at 1956 General Election held to elect MPs for the Third Parliament. He was defeated at the 1960 March General Election but was able to win the same seat back at the General Election held in July in the same year.

A school teacher and trade unionist, he represented the Match Manufacturers and Building Trade Wages Board from 1947 to 1951. He was in remand for about three months,being arrested for his active participation in the 1953 hartal.

His body lies at his residence No. 75, Koralawella, Moratuwa till 1.00 pm today and will be taken to Moratuwa Town Hall, for the public to pay their last respects till 4.30 pm. The cortege will leave for burial at the general cemetery, Rawatawatta, Moratuwa.