Condolence messages

FM hails DBs service to the nation

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama has hailed the service to the nation rendered by former President D. B. Wijetunga. In a message of condolence, Minister Bogollagama highlighted the brave and fearless stand that the former President had taken in combating terrorism, as well as his pioneering initiative in the liberalisation of the mass media during his tenure as President of Sri Lanka.

"I was profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of former President, D. B. Wijetunga, the veteran politician who also held the office of Prime Minister, several Ministerial portfolios and that of Governor.

I had the privilege of associating closely with President Wijetunga, a distinguished statesman, whose hallmark was his humility and respect for the views of others who were politically opposed to him.

Wijetunga who served as Sri Lanka's third Executive President and the ninth Prime Minister, regarded political power as transient and as a public trust, which ought to be exercised for the benefit of the people. I have no doubt that President Wijetunga's record of public service will remain forever etched in the memory of our people.

During his Presidency in 1994, President Wijetunga held Parliamentary and Presidential elections, overseeing the peaceful and smooth transition of political power to the People's Alliance, which was a great victory for democracy. He was bold and fearless in correctly identifying the scourge of terrorism facing the country and taking decisive action to combat this menace. The liberalisation of the mass media, which heralded the opening of several new television channels, should redound to President Wijetunga's credit.

I convey my heartfelt condolences to the daughter and family members of former President D. B. Wijetunga, a selfless and gentlemanly statesman, who ruled the country peacefully and endearing himself eternally to the people.

Rohitha Bogollagama, MP

Minister of Foreign Affairs

A patriot in true sense of the word

It is with profound sorrow, The Democratic Group of the United National Party note the demise of H.E. The President D. B. Wijetunga, a leader both revered and remembered by the people of this country.

Late President Wijetunga who entered politics with a humble beginning, rose to the highest position of the country and was able to serve the people for nearly four decades, through various capacities he held. Apart from the services he rendered, he will be ever remembered by the masses of this country as a person who was readily accessible, affable and as a person who had a common touch. It is beyond exaggeration to say that President Wijetunga personified certain rare human qualities exemplary for the present day politicians, and are worthy of emulation.

He was humble, honest, full of knowledge with life experience. More than anything else he was highly disciplined. He had an unwavering trust on the democratic ideals and the processes, which fact he amply demonstrated, at extremely critical times in recent political history. Acting beyond the limits of loyalties to his own political party, in such circumstances he was able to avert political instability and danger to democracy. A patriot in true sense of the word, President Wijetunga even at the last moment did not forget to confer his blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his efforts to protect the country from terrorism. Probably that was late President's last official act.

May he attain Nibbana!

Karu Jayasuriya

Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs and the Leader of the UNP (D) Group

A forthright politician

We of the Jathika Hela Urumaya were saddened to hear the death of the former President, D. B. Wijetunga. A seasoned politician, he became Sri Lanka's third executive President and gave national leadership to the country, after President R. Premadasa's sudden demise. He was implicit in his conviction when he said there was no ethnic conflict but a terrorist one.

He possessed an immaculate record in politics and lived a simple, exemplary life.

May he attain the Supreme bliss of Nirvana.

Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera,

General Secretary, J.H.U.

Worked closely with all alike

The M.E.P. is grieved over the passing away of former President, the late D. B. Wijetunga.

Elected to Parliament from Udunuwara electorate in 1965, he subsequently became Minister, Governor, Prime Minister and President in the political firmament.

During his political career he worked closely with friend and foe alike. At a time when the democracy was at stake, he created a new atmosphere conducive to its resurgence. He was fully committed to safeguard the interests of Buddhism and indigenous cultural and national heritage. His exit from executive Presidency was exemplary. May he attain Nibbana.

Dinesh Gunawardena,

Leader/MEP and Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development

An upright politican

All citizens who cherish democracy are saddened by the demise of the former President D. B. Wijetunga. Having started his career from Provincial politics, he soared into dizzy heights in the country's political spectrum finally ending up as executive President. An upright politican he called a spade, spade, when he said the leverage behind the ethnic conflict was terrorism and separatism. The Ministry of Education and the UPFA express its deep sorrow at his passing away. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.

Susil Premajayantha,

Minister of Education and General Secretary/UPFA

A rare personality

Former President, the late D.B. Wijetunga was a rare personality endowed with simplicity, commitment and modesty. A true peasant, he extended paternal love for the junior parliamentarians who were his contemporaries in the legislature.

He was elected Executive President unanimously by the vote of the members of parliament. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

W.J.M. Lokubandara

Speaker