Jeyaraj: An emotional final journey

Kochchikade: Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, who was brutally assassinated by the LTTE on Sunday, bid adieu to the Nation yesterday. A large crowd had gathered at the Jeyaraj Fernandopulle playground in Welihena, Kochchikade to bid farewell to their beloved leader.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Ministers and Government and Opposition MPs were present.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, now on an official visit to China, said in a condolence message read out at the funeral that Minister Fernandopulle played a great role by holding two most important positions in the Government as Chief Whip and Highways Minister.

It was an exemplary experience for Parliamentary democracy.

The contribution he made and the leadership he gave for the development of villages by building bridges and roads traversing the length and breadth of the country was a memorable experience for the people. The valour he displayed by building flyovers was a historic monument, the President's message said.

He said: "Jeyaraj who was a major player in the battlefront of bringing peace to Sri Lanka had the patience needed for the regulating table and the bravery needed for the fight against terrorism in ample measure.

Jeyaraj who entered history books as the first minority representative to become SLFP Treasurer provided a devoted beginning to develop our party as a well organised party.

My friend who played the dual role as a leader of the Government and the SLFP and a responsible citizen created a special landmark in politics in this country. The 'Jeyaraj Symbol' will undoubtedly perform the responsibility of a watchdog in protecting the pride of Sri Lankan politics and the country's territorial integrity.

Jeyaraj's death caused at a time when we have to stabilise the hatred free politics of our friend who steadfastly stood for what he thought was correct according to his convictions most is a grave slap against healthy politics and national integration. Barbaric terrorism has killed not only Jeyaraj but the noble democratic qualities he represented.

The message further said, I first came to know Jeyaraj 37 years ago. Jeyaraj who was a dedicated student leader at the Sri Lanka Law College was my trusted colleague in struggles and erstwhile friend. At this moment of sorrow I wish to state with gratitude that at times he was my teacher who helped me to overcome shortcomings in my studies caused due my busy schedule as an MP.

How we studied together in a room, spent the vacation at Medamulana travelled to Jaffna by Yal Devi train and enjoyed in the Karainagar beach after a 'thosai' meal with Tamil friends are pictures about Jeyaraj eternally engraved in my memory.

The second chapter of our friendship is recorded as Parliamentary colleagues representing the same party in the same Parliament. That period in the latter half of the 1980 decade which was the most difficult and dangerous period in Sri Lankan politics which takes my memories about Jeyaraj to an honourable level.

Jeyaraj who loved people's freedom to live despite threats to his own life confirmed that he had a firm foundation for a long journey in the SLFP.

The third chapter of our friendship was in the 1990 decade when we were ministerial colleagues in the same Cabinet.

Although no major responsibilities were given at the right time he was never angered. But once responsibilities were cast on him he performed them with sincerity, dedication and resolve while safeguarding the party's honour and prestige and the responsible politics displayed by Jeyaraj will be protected by our party and Sri Lankan history.

When I visited Jeyaraj's home to see his body what shocked me most were the tears shed by his son Bhanuka and daughter Samurdhi. Although Sudarshani held back her sorrow like a courageous wife and a mother the picture of the two children who cried embracing Jeyaraj's body will never be erased from my mind and heart.

Although your stentorian voice and high laughter will be heard no more and you would not treat us with your friendly look you will certainly be with us in the next world as a dear friend and a trusted relative with son Bhanuka, daughter Samurdhi and sister Sudarshani round us.

When the lion flag is proudly raised after completing the last battle against the enemy you will undoubtedly rise again under its shade.'

Farewell to a political colossus

Shirley Wijesinghe

Kochchikade: Even the heavens opened up in torrents of weeping as Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle made his final journey amidst a sea of mourners in his native Katana leaving the enduring memory of his fragrance among his people.

Unprecedented crowds kept pouring into the Welihena residence of the Minister to get a last glimpse of the man who made an indelible mark among the Lankans both as a politician and humanist.

Katana and the surrounding areas of Negombo and Ja-ela were a sea of white while most businesses and Government establishments put up shutters as a mark of respect to the late politician.

There was not a single dry eye among the vast crowds gathered to bid adieu to a rare politician who walked with kings but never lost the common touch. He was a patriotic son of Mother Lanka who worked tirelessly for the quest of peace amity and brotherhood among all communities.

Following the observances of multi-religious rites the coffin was borne from the residence by members of the Minister's immediate family at 1.45 p.m.

It was taken over from there by members of Welihena Tharuna Samithiya before being accepted by Old boys of Maris Stella College, Negombo.

The funeral parade led by schoolchildren and political leaders including political supporters and District and provincial political representatives proceeded to the Jeyaraj Fernandopulle Ground, Welihena.

The coffin was finally borne to the Jeyaraj Fernandopulle Ground by the Minister's Cabinet colleagues.

Following multi-religious observances, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Karu Jayasuriya addressed the gathering on behalf of the funeral organising committee.

Health and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala read President Mahinda Rajapaksa's condolence message.

Thereafter Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka delivered the funeral oration. The vote of thanks was delivered by the late Minister's son Banuka and daughter Samurdhi.

The remains was brought to the Welihena Roman Catholic Church for the final obsequies by 4.30 p.m. The cortege then proceeded to the Welihena Roman Catholic Cemetery for burial.