Pillar of victory in Southern Province - UPFA Gen. Sec.

The news of the death of Justice and Law Reforms Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda who was like a pillar of victory in the Southern Province in the new era which dawned with the reunification of the country caused me immense grief said UPFA General Secretary Education Minister Susil Premajayantha in a condolence message.

The message said Dodangoda name is ingrained in his mind as a humble humanist politician.

Armed with communist thinking during his university days he understood the difference between the humble hut and the palatial mansion.

He introduced simple lifestyle to the political field. He was among the handful of politicians with an unblemished character.

Dodangoda never misused his political power to excesses. A person with a simple and exemplary lifestyle he always worked hard to cater to public welfare.

It was the convincing victory obtained at the Southern Provincial Council elections under his leadership which stirred a public uprising to topple the 17 year UNP rule.

Amarasiri Dodangoda born in a free country had been fortunate enough to breathe his last in a re-united and freed country under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family including his wife and two children and his followers on my personal behalf and on behalf of the UPFA.