[Condolence Messages]

Anura an honest and straightforward politician - Minister Premajayantha

UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha yesterday described the late Anura Bandaranaike as a great leader in the country’s Parliamentary history who successfully adapted politics of the 21 century into the Parliamentary tradition.

Issuing a condolence message on the death of the former Minister, Premajayantha noted that Bandaranaike won kudos for his clear grasp of international politics while also winning plaudits for his roles as Minister MP and as Leader of the Opposition. He said the late Bandaranaike served the people as befitting the stature of his late parents.

He said the commitment of the late Anura Bandaranaike at crucial stages of the country’s political history was of great importance. His dedication and untiring efforts in the formation of the UPFA which marked a watershed in coalition politics enhanced his stature and was a unique contribution to national politics.

The late Anura Bandaranaike was an internationalist who was able to represent Sri Lanka alongside countries of the Socialist bloc such as Russia, China and Yugoslavia without evoking any political controversy at International fora.

A leader who forged close links with leaders such as Chou en Lai, Marshall Tito and Indira Gandhi, he was a leader capable of pulling down all ideological barriers and forging unity among all nations.

As a mature Parliamentarian he was also able to resolve disputes with a balanced approach.The late Anura Bandaranaike was an honest and straightforward politician who expressed his views without fear.

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Anura born into unique political legacy - Minister Bogollagama

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in a condolence message for Anura Bandaranaike, MP said: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing away of Anura Bandaranaike, MP.”

“Anura Bandaranaike was born into a political legacy unique not only in this country but in the world, with his father, the late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike a distinguished Prime Minister and his mother, the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the first woman Prime Minister in the world, in addition to his sister, Madam Chandrika Kumaratunga being elected both as Prime Minister and as President.”

“Having been elected for the first time in 1977 as MP for the Nuwara Eliya-Maskeliya electorate, he had an illustrious career in Parliament.

He was elected as Opposition Leader and later was the unanimous choice of both sides of the House for the prestigious post of Speaker. He has held numerous Cabinet Ministerial portfolios including Foreign Affairs.”

“A seasoned Parliamentarian and skilled debater, Anura Bandaranaike was hailed by all for his oratorical skills, and exceptional ability to marshall cogent arguments in both Sinhala and English with brilliance and wit.

He had a keen interest in history and international affairs and was known to many world leaders.” “In the many years that I have known him. I will remember Anura Bandaranaike as a liberal thinker and a strong advocate for democratic rights.

His genial personality endeared him to all who met him, on either side of the political divide. In the current environment of confrontational politics, Anura Bandaranaike was one of the few politicians who had the ability to move with political parties of different ideologies to explore various political view points and yet retain broad respect and affection.”

“The nation and the people mourn the passing away of this exceptional son of Lanka.

I take this opportunity to extend my deep condolences to his sisters, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Ms. Sunethra Bandaranaike and other family members,” the message adds.

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A Gentleman politician - Minister Fowzie

Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development A.H.M. Fowzie in a condolence message on the death of Anura Bandaranaike states:

“The demise of my good friend Anura Bandaranaike saddens me deeply and it has deprived the country of a gentleman politician who can bravely stand up to the test of time.

“He was a genius in politics, international relations, and an advocate of human rights, democratic values and peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

“As the son of two great Prime Ministers of our country, he proved himself as a leader of great stature and capability during his eminent Parliamentary career, as a Member of Parliament, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leader of the Opposition, as well as the Speaker of Parliament.”

“He dedicated his entire lifetime to the country and stood above racial, religious and language barriers and truly represented the most cultured human trace.” “He won the admiration of the all communities, Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims and was loved by them all.”

“He was also a man of his conviction and was always upholding what was right. His demise is an irreparable loss to the whole country.”

On this very sad occasion I express my heartfelt condolence to the Members of his grieving family.”

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Nation will remember him with gratitude - Wayamba Chief Minister

Wayamba Chief Minister Athula Wijesinghe in a condolence message for Anura Bandaranaike said the Nation will miss Anura Bandaranaike and will always remember him with gratitude.

The Chief Minister said even though his golden voice has been silenced, his political legacy will live in the hearts and minds of the people forever. The Chief Minister said his vision of building a strong and prosperous nation was a fact known to all.

“Anura Bandaranaike was loved, respected and very popular with the people of the Wayamba. He was a beacon to many politicians.” “May he attain Nivan Suwa!”