Richard Pathirana’s funeral today

Mohammed Naalir

GALLE: The funeral of veteran politician and a former Education Minister Richard Pathirana will take place under State patronage at the Samanala playground in Galle today.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid his last respects to the former Minister at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Headquarters on Friday. Pathirana, 71, died at his Colombo residence after a prolonged illness on Thursday.

He entered Parliament in 1983 winning a by-election held for the Akmeemana electorate. He held several ministerial portfolios in a number of governments, but was most widely known as a Minister of Education. Among the other portfolios were Public Administration, Home Affairs and Southern Development.

He was also a one-time Chief Opposition Whip. He was the Galle District Leader for the SLFP at many elections. A student of Richmond College, Galle, his first career was teaching. He is survived by two daughters and one son.

Galle schools close early

Southern Province Chief Minister and Education Minister Shan Vijayalal de Silva has directed the Education Directors of the Province to close Government schools at 10 a.m today in view of the funeral of former minister Richard Pathirana.

All school principals are directed to hoist white flags and display banners at their schools as a mark of respect. The Principals have also been requested to ensure the participation of pupils of Akmeemana, Galle and Matara Education zones at the funeral ceremony.