An outstanding and dynamic politician - FM
The LTTE has once again demonstrated its callous disregard for human
life by the cold-blooded and dastardly assassination of my Cabinet
colleague Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. I vehemently condemn this
brutal act of terrorism, which is a direct assault on democracy and all
civilized values of humanity, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said
yesterday.
His condolence message: "At the time of assassination Minister
Fernandopulle was at the forefront of the Government's elections
campaign for the provincial council election in the East. The untimely
demise of Jeyaraj under terrible and tragic circumstances has robbed the
nation of an outstanding and dynamic politician, who served the people
of Sri Lanka in all the ministerial portfolios he held, with distinction
and dedication.
Hailing from an ethnic minority community, Jeyaraj excelled in
Parliamentary debates as a brilliant orator with a fine command of all
three languages. His death has deeply shocked and saddened me and left
me bereft of a colleague, whose friendship I have cherished for the last
34 years, since our Law College days. Minister Fernandopulle was
targeted by the LTTE at a sports event organised to celebrate the
Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
His assassination, which is the latest in a string of political
killings that has targeted legislators elected by the sovereign will of
the people, should convince the international community of the true face
of the LTTE-a fascist terrorist entity, which does not subscribe to
democracy and pluralism.
This should serve as a wake-up call to the international community to
redouble its efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations.
The Government of Sri Lanka is firmly resolved to eradicate terrorism
and freeing the long suffering people in the last remaining pockets of
the North from the tyranny of the LTTE, so that they too would be able
to enjoy the fruits of democracy as the rest of our citizens.
Jeyaraj, during his entire political career fought hard to build a
Sri Lankan nation, where all citizens could live in peace and harmony,
enjoying equal rights.
He paid the supreme sacrifice in pursuit of this noble vision." |
