Condolence Messages

Exemplary son of Sri Lanka - MEP

Dinesh Gunawardena, Leader Mahajana Eksath Peramuna and Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development in a condolence message for Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle stated:

“It is with shock and deepest regret that the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna mourns the assassination of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Minister of Highways and Road Development, Chief Government Whip and Treasurer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Minister Fernandopulle was struck down by a dastardly, cowardly and brutal act which is directly referable and points to the treacherous LTTE. This act should receive the condemnation of civilized society. Within a short span of five and half decades Fernandopulle served Mother Lanka in the most laudable and exemplary manner.

He had the courage of his conviction to state in terse and convincing language what he had to state in and out of Parliament. He was a democratic parliamentarian and a keen debater and leader who non ready to accept challenges faced in the struggle against terrorism.

Though, the voice that reverberated within the walls of the House of Parliament is stilled his message will always live on.

Minister Fernandopulle was indefatigable and patriotic son of Mother Lanka. Having imbibed the heritage of this country he contributed in full measure for the social economic and political development of the age. The successful completion of the project that he undertook inclusive of the flyover construction at Kelaniya is a standing monument to his service.

He interacted with all strata of society and indeed he was the physical embodiment of racial and religious harmony in the country. Even as Minister for Christian Affairs, Fernandopulle’s services endeared himself to the Maha Sangha of the country. In this regard his contributions exemplary and worthy of emulation by fellow Sri Lankans.

Fernandopulle was deeply committed to the cause of the protection of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the unitary state of Mother Lanka.

The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna salutes the memory of this great exemplary son of Mother Lanka.

A gentleman par excellence - TULF President

TULF President V. Anandasangaree in a condolence message states: “The tragic news of the assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernadopulle came as a rude shock to me.

He was my good friend and one time colleague of mine in Parliament. He was a very frank and outspoken person who exereses his views without mincing words.

The fact that he had been repeatedly elected in a predominantly Buddhist constituency, although a Catholic, goes to his credit showing to the world that he was loved and respected by all sections to the people in this country irrespective of one’s race or religion.”

“He had been championing the cause of the minorities without fear. He loved all and worked hard to bring normalcy back to our people.

On the ethnic question his views were very fair and acceptable to the right thinking people.

He was a gentleman par excellence.”

“The LTTE had foolishly targeted a person whom they could have made use of to achieve anything other than a division of the country for which he was totally opposed. It is a pity that a gentleman who had proved himself as a great son of the soil and an asset of the Nation had been snatched away prematurely depriving the country of his contributions for peace.”

“I share the grief with his dear wife his beloved children, his wide circle of friends and his constituents, all of whom miss him. I also express my deepest sympathies for the unfortunate kith and kin of all the victims of this mass scale assassination undertaken by a misled foolish youth.”

May their souls Rest in Peace.”

Minister Jeyaraj treated everybody with respect - CWC

The General Secretary of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress and Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development Arumugan Thondaman MP has expressed his shock and grief on the tragic demise of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, MP, Chief Government Whip and Minister of Highways and Road Development.

Minister Fernandopulle’s passing away is an irreparable loss to the people and the country, the Minister added.

He expressed his strong concerns to the increasing political killings in the country and stressed the need for early settlement of this problem.

“Minister Jeyaraj’s contribution to racial and religious unity was appreciated by all sections of society in the country. He treated everybody equally and with respect. His untimely death has caused a big vacuum in the body politic of the country.

Minister Thondaman conveyed his deepest sympathies of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress and the plantation workers to the family members of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle”.

Cruel and cowardly act - Communist Party of Sri Lanka

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka received the sad news of the brutal assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle with shock and grief. It is unmistakably clear that this savage act was perpetrated by the L.T.T.E. terrorists, a party statement said.

He was one of those high targets aimed at by the L.T.T.E. for some time. This assassination adds to the list of galaxy of national leaders eliminated by the L.T.T.E. in the last two decades.

The elimination of political leaders may satisfy the appetite of the fascistic, chauvinist, blood-thirsty L.T.T.E. leadership but would in no way help them to realise their long dream of separatism, states Dew Gunasekara, General Secretary, Communist Party of Sri Lanka in a press release.

“The Communist Party of Sri Lanka condemns this cruel and cowardly act of terrorism with all vehemence at its command.

“The L.T.T.E. obviously has extended its degree of barbarism by resorting to killing of innocent civilians, this time selectively aiming at a sports event devoted to Sinhala-Hindu New Year. The untimely death of qualified professional coaches with a group of budding sportsmen warrants our deeper condemnation.

“The contribution made by Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle for the cause of our people has earned their love and admiration for him.”

“The irreparable loss caused by his untimely death to other people at large and to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in particular is deeply felt. The doughty fighter against injustice never wavered or faltered in expressing his views bluntly.

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka conveys its profound grief and expresses its deep-felt condolences to his family, to the S.L.F.P. and to the voters of Katana who politically nurtured and nourished him in his short but esteemed journey in public life.”

Outstanding character among modern generation - Democratic Left Front

Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was an outstanding character among the modern generation of the people friendly political tradition which emerged against reaction in Sri Lanka.

Even during the Chandrika era where the rightist pressure of globalisation was firmly felt, he endeavoured to protect the people friendly middle path policies of the SLFP as done by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said the Democratic Left Front in a condolence message issued yesterday.

The message signed by Vasudeva Nanayakkara added that although Fernandopulle was a Catholic of Tamil origin he gained immense popularity among the Sinhala Buddhist population.

The Democratic Left Front while expressing its deepest condolences on the death of Minister Fernandopulle and others killed in the bomb blast hoped that this shocking act would spur us all towards a path that would help us put a full stop to brutal acts of this nature.

Great strength to nation - Provincial Councils Minister

Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Janaka Bandara Tennakoon in a condolence message states the sudden demise of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle who was a great strength to the country, is a great shock to the entire nation.

Minister Fernandopulle was an exemplary son of the soil.

He served the people irrespective of politics, caste or creed and was respected as an exemplary leader who made honest efforts to pave the way and was for a new political culture in this country. He was vociferous both in Parliament and outside and fearlessly expressed his views. He was a true democrat.

“We appreciate and will always be grateful for the services rendered towards national and religious integrity in this country. It is also a prominent factor that though he was against terrorism he was not a racist.

“Though the Minister’s life has ended by brutal terrorism, his voice against terrorism and his voice for democracy cannot be silenced forever. His undying voice would be a strength to the people who join hands to eradicate terrorism from the entire world.”

Irreparable loss to country - Sri Lanka Independent Professionals Association

The demise of Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle who tirelessly worked day and night to safeguard the Government and the SLFP by boldly answering critics during Parliamentary proceedings and assisting the publication of the party paper ‘Dinakara’ is an irreparable loss to the Government, party and the country in general, said the Sri Lanka Independent Professionals Association in a message.

the message issued jointly by the Organisation’s President Alavi Mowlana, Secretary Hemasiri Jayalath and Treasurer Gihan Wickramasinghe said the Sri Lanka Independent Professionals Association was able to gain added strength due to the constant advice given by Minister Fernandopulle in his capacity as its patron.

He was a genial personality who addressed everyone affectionately by the first name and rendered an epochal service and the void created by his death could not be easily filled.

The late Fernandopulle made a great contribution to ensure President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s victory at the Presidential election.

While resolving to continue the mission of this great man of the era we call upon the people to assist the Government in all steps taken to put a halt to the cult of violence and terror, the message added.

Canada condemns Tiger attack

Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier strongly condemned Sunday’s terrorist attack which killed Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and 14 others.

Issuing a statement in response to the suicide attack, he said: “Canada strongly deplores this senseless act of violence, which killed Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and former Olympic marathoner K.A. Karunaratne as well as civilians taking part in a sporting event.

On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased and to those wounded in the attack. “Canada condemns all forms of terrorism.

We are deeply concerned about the worsening impact of this ongoing conflict on civilians, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders. It is clear that violence will not bring lasting peace to Sri Lanka.”

Incident must be condemned by all - Bishop of Colombo

The brutal killing of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, several young athletes, “Marathon Karu”, Lakshman de Alwis, the national athletic coach and some security personnel must be condemned without reservation by all right minded people, said Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo in a condolence message.

He said: “A sporting event planned to build community ended with an abrupt and violent shattering of community.

I extend the deepest solidarity and condolences of our Church to all the bereaved. Our Church assures all grieving parents, spouses and children of our prayers. May the God of consolation heal your brokenness and fill you with peace.

This is most likely the work of the LTTE. It follows closely on the Fort railway Station Bombing in which also several young schoolboy sportsmen from D S Senanayake College were killed.

The massacre of the innocents anywhere, benefits no just cause and has no place whatsoever in any agenda for dignity and peace for Sri Lankans.

Such provocative acts of violence spread fear, suspicion and anger. They further widen the gap between our communities and further reduce whatever chances may have existed for peace conversations.

But they can also confront us with the harsh realities of violent human conflict and strengthen our resolve towards an active non-violent resolution of our complex conflict. Sadly this second option is the one that we as a Nation have somehow failed to assert with courage and conviction.

May all peace loving people of our beloved land even now speak with one voice and strive together to replace violent confrontation with dialogue and negotiations. No substantial democratic political agenda for peace and development will ever be achieved till this is done.”

A great political personality - Deputy Minister

Public Estate Management and Development Deputy Minister Sihabdeen Nijamudeen in a condolence message over the death of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said the late Minister was a great political personality.

The message : The untimely tragic death of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Minister of Highways and Road Development was an irreparable loss to the entire peace - loving people in the country.

He was a great political personality who advocated firmly to bring about eternal peace to the ethnic problem within the united Sri Lanka where all ethnic groups could live in peace and harmony.

‘He was not only true to his party politics, but also true to his people and the country. It is the duty of all Sri Lankans to remember this great champion who was cowardly assassinated, the message said.

A reprehensible attack - JVP

The JVP politburo in a press release vehemently condemned the LTTE bomb attack at Weliweriya which killed Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and ten others including National Athletic Coach Lakshman de Alwis and famed marathon runner K.A. Karunaratne.

The release said Minister Fernandopulle fearlessly expressed his views against LTTE terrorism. Although the JVP did not condone some of his views he had certain ideas which the JVP could agree to.

It was after a very long time that the separatist Tiger terrorists reeling under the operations carried out by heroic Security Forces in the North were able to carry out a bomb blast in an area close to Colombo. This proved the ignominious defeat facing the Tiger terrorists.

Terrorists were able to carry out such attacks due to the messing up of security operations caused due to the variance of threat assessments made by the Government at various times.

The JVP would call upon the Government not to relax security arrangements until the Tiger terrorists were totally annihilated. It would also call upon the Government to take measures to further strengthen the Security Forces, defeat terrorists militarily and stabilise democracy.

The JVP would also call upon people of all communities to remain calm and alert and assist the Security Forces and Police in measures to counter all cowardly terrorist attacks.

While expressing condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of the bomb blast the JVP wished quick recovery to those injured in the blast, the message added.

Adopt measures to prevent this type of incidents - BASL

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) in a condolence message over the assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle says the Government should adopt all measures prescribed by law so that all citizens could live in peace.

The message: “`The President, the Executive Committee and Members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka were shocked and grieved by the tragic death of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, a long-standing member of our Association.

Fernandopulle was a victim of an act of violence which the BASL unreservedly condemns.

The Association calls upon the Government to immediately adopt all such measures prescribed by Law so that all citizens of this country can live in peace.

The Association calls upon the Government to analyse the causes of violence and take remedial measures within the Law to solve them. The Association also reminds those who pursue such acts of violence to adhere to the Rule of Law and forsake violence.

The Association extends its heartfelt sympathies to Fernandopulle and his children and the family members of those civilians and other government officials who have also suffered similar loss and assure each and everyone of them our support in their hour of grief.

Politician with silver tongue - SP Governor

Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasuriya and her staff in a condolence message over the tragic death of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle states that his death was an irreparable loss to the country, nation and specially to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

He was a politician with a silver tongue who could manage Sinhala, Tamil and English languages very cleverly at Parliament debates.

We convey our condolence to the bereaved family members of the late Minister.

‘A fearless character’

Nation Building Minister Rohitha Abegunawardena yesterday said the Late Minister Jeyaraj Fenandopoulle was a fearless character who stood for a peaceful solution to the ethnic issue by eradicating ruthless LTTE terrorism.

The Minister in a condolence message over the assassination of Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said “this is an irreparable loss to the country, the Government and those who are committed to eliminate terrorism from the country.

He worked hard to create an environment in which all communities could live in peace. The highest tribute which we can pay to him is to make his wishes of bringing eternal peace to the country a reality. He was the silver tongue and an effective leader within the UPFA. He was a leader to the nation and teacher to budding politician.