A leader of great stature, capability - Minister of Petroleum Resources Development

Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources A.H.M. Fowzie in a condolence message for Chief Government Whip and Minister of Highways Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said: "It is with shock and deep sorrow that I received the news of the death of my friend Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. his demise, at the critical hour in the development of Sri Lanka is an irreparable loss to the whole country.

A great son of Sri Lanka, he was a shining star in the political arena, who bravely stood up to the test of time. Within a short span of time he rose to be one of the main players in the political chess board and his continuous effort was to unite the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims as one nation. He was a genius in politics and an advocate of Human Rights, Democratic Values and peaceful resolution of conflicts."

"He was conscious of the fact that he belonged to the minority community but he understood the ground realities of the ongoing ethnic problem and worked hard towards peaceful co-existence with all communities. He was an eloquent orator adept at speaking in all three languages.

He proved himself as a leader of a great stature and capability during his eminent Parliamentary career as Member of Parliament, as Minister and as the Chief Government Whip.

He won the admiration of all the communities, the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims and was loved by all. He always stood up for what is right. It is an irreparable loss to the whole country."