Dr. Pathirana served People’s interests - thera

Ranjith Padmasiri, Daya Perera, Galle district special Daya Siriwardena and Galle North Group Corr. Dikwelle Thilakaratne

The late Minister Richard Pathirana made use of politics to serve the interests of the people. Politics was however no means of subsistence for him. He of course derived pleasure in serving the people, said Ven. Pallattara Sumanajothi Nayaka Thera, the Chief Sanghanayake of Southern Province, in delivering an Anusasana at the funeral of former Education Minister Dr. Richard Pathirana at the Samanala grounds, Galle.

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha read the President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s condolence message. The Chief Sanghanayake of Matara and Galle districts Ven. Midigama Uparatana Nayake Thera administered ‘Pansil’ to the participants.

The Ven. Sumanajothi Nayaka Thera said the late Dr. Pathirana performed well as a teacher and principal due to his commitment and efficiency.

He never became enriched by means of politics. He had the grit of face criticism and remain silent against rumours.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake in his message had stated, I was saddened to hear the death of Dr. Pathirana. He was the first Minister who increased the teachers’ salaries and effected many changes in the education field. He had done unforgettable service to the Galle district. “His death is a tremendous loss to the country.”

Vice Chancellor, Kelaniya University Ven. Dr. Welimitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera, said the late Dr. Pathirana was an exemplary politician. As Education Minister he rendered yeoman service to the country. In fact he infused fresh life into the teaching profession!

He bestowed new status to the Pirivena teachers. After retirement from active politics he lived a life of ease and happiness.

Ven. Batapola Nanda Nayake Thera representing the Amarapura Maha Nikaya said, he led a lonely crusade against a powerful government. He performed his job with a sense of commitment.

His name remains immortal due to his efforts to strengthen the free education system heralded by the late C.W.W. Kannangara. Ven. Beratuduwe Gnanavisuddhi Nayaka Thera on behalf of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya said, the excellent services rendered by Dr. Richard Pathirana qualify him to rank with his predecessors such as Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara and Dr. W. Dahanayake equally.