Request to hoist white flags

The Education Ministry requests that white flags be hoisted in all schools and educational institutions as a mark of respect to the late Richard Pathirana, Minister of Education and Higher Education.

The Ministry also requests Southern Province educational authorities to give a half holiday to schools and educational institutions within the Galle Educational Zone on Monday, July 7 to enable them to participate in the funeral.

He improved teachers' conditions

The late Richard Pathirana as Education and Higher Education Minister took steps to improve teachers' conditions, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said in a condolence message.

The message: "A trained graduate and principal, the late Richard Pathirana was engaged in active politics from 1983 to 2001. As Education and Higher Education Minister, he took steps to improve the standard of teachers and expand the parameters of the country's education.

Implementation of new salary scales to teachers, establishment of colleges of Education modernisation of Teacher Training colleges, etc, were some of his outstanding achievements as Minister of Education and Higher Education.

Apart from being a Minister, he also functioned as the Chief Government Whip and Leader of the House.

May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana."

Loss to country

The death of former Education and Higher Education Minister Richard Pathirana is an irreparable loss to the country, Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasooriya said.

He rendered a yeoman service to the country's education and teachers alike, she said in a condolence message on the death of the former Minister.