Amarasiri Dodangoda:

Honourable and fearless politician - Minister Chamal Rajapaksa

At a time when an environment has dawned to live under a single flag, the 1993 Southern Provincial Council Election can be considered as a major cross road which facilitated this victory.

As much as that election which brought about the downfall of the UNP regime and directed the country towards a progressive political transformation the name of Amarasiri Dodangoda who had been a great source of strength to the South can never be forgotten, states Irrigation, Water Management, Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa in a condolence message issued yesterday.

The message said Minister Dodangoda who dedicated his life for the progress of the progressive political movement was a humble but fearless politician loved by the whole nation.

Dodangoda who unconditionally defended democratic freedom always stood by the SLFP in both good and bad times.

The immense contribution he made for the victory of the SLFP at the 1985 Mulkirigala by-election can never be forgotten. The contribution he made for the cause of the democratic political system both in and out of Parliament is a fine example for budding politicians.

He had rendered a yeoman service to society as a Teacher, Education Officer, Attorney-at-Law, Parliamentarian and Minister to the best of his ability.

His demise is a great loss not only to his family, the SLFP and his southern constituents but also to all Sri Lankans who valued democracy. He was also a politician who never misused his powers. I wish to express my profound condolences to his grieving wife, children and members of the family.