K. Pathmanathan, MP a very humble politician - Leader of the House

Uditha Kumarasinghe and Irangika Range

Leader of the House and Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday told Parliament that late TNA MP K. Pathmanathan can be identified as a very humble politician who rendered a yeoman service for the benefit of the people of this country.

Moving the condolence motion on late TNA MP K. Pathmanathan, the Minister said that MP Pathmanathan who represented the Digamadulla district had served the people to the maximum until his death in Chennai on May 21, 2009.

He served the people as a post master and a teacher and committed his lifetime to provide an immense service to the people of his constituency.

He was later appointed as a Manager of the National Housing Development Authority.

In 2004 he entered Parliament by contesting the General Election. The MP pioneered a number of economic and social programs for the benefit of the people of Digamadulla.

However, he had a narrow escape in the tsunami. Thereafter, he was very instrumental in helping the people affected by the tsunami. When he fell sick he was very worried that he would not be able to serve the people in an effective manner. On May 21, 2009, he died in Chennai due to illness. "We convey our condolences to his family", he said.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said that late TNA MP R. Pathmanathan was a good hearted and humble politician who has rendered a great service to the country.

He helped a lot to the tsunami affected people with the assistance of the church in the area. He was the great person who worked for the betterment of the people. He also worked very closely with each community without any differences. We convey our condolences to his family.