Jeyaraj - a people’s man

Uditha Kumarasinghe and Irangika Range

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka told Parliament yesterday that the late Chief Government Whip and former Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was a perfect human being and a good friend who was always concerned about the people.

Participating in the condolence motion on Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Prime Minister said this was the main reason the people were concerned about his death.

“Jeyaraj Fernandopulle’s death is a big loss to the country.

His political and social services to the society will never be forgotten,” Prime Minister Wickramanayaka said.

Jeyaraj was always with the people. That is why he visited many areas without proper security. The LTTE showed its brutality to the entire world by assassinating a great leader like him,” the Prime Minister said.

“Eradicating terrorism from the country will be the greatest honour we can make on behalf of him,” he said.

“Jeyaraj was very concerned about upgrading educational facilities of children in the Gampaha district. He achieved a number of goals by rendering a yeoman service to the children through the Jeyaraj Fernandopulle Foundation.

A number of philanthropic activities were launched through this Foundation which helped uplift the livelihood of people in his electorate. He was a dynamic character in the UPFA.”

Prime Minister Wickramanayaka said though Jeyaraj was a Catholic, he respected all other religions.

“I convey my condolences to his wife, children and family members,” the Prime Minister said.

Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera said Jeyaraj was a very friendly person.

“He rendered a great service for the well-being and welfare of the people in his area. He was a very courageous person.

Though he had arguments with the Opposition in Parliament, he forgot everything when he met us outside. He was a very kind hearted person.

One of his main aims was to provide a good education to the children in Katana. He also launched massive development programs in Gampaha,” Perera said.

JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Minister Jeyaraj Fernandupulle always had his own identity.

He expressed his views without fear and favour.

This is a great quality which we cannot see among political leaders today,” he said.

Jeyaraj Fernandopulle

Born : January 11, 1953, Welihena.

Died : April 6, 2008, Weliveriya.

Political party : Sri Lanka Freedom Party

Spouse : Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle

Children : Samurdhi Fernandopulle and Bhanuka Fernandopulle

Occupation : Politician

Profession : Lawyer

Religion : Roman Catholic

A fine orator

Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament yesterday the demise of Chief Government Whip and Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle is an irreparable loss to the Government and the entire country.

“Jeyaraj brightened the House as a fine orator and a veteran politician over the past 19 years,” he said moving the condolence motion.

Minister de Silva said, as a fine orator of all three languages, the Minister could successfully face and won debates conducted in Parliament.

He was an exemplary character in the political arena, the Minister said.