Amarasiri Dodangoda, illustrious politician -Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva

Uditha KUMARSINGHE

Leader of the House, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament yesterday that the late Justice and Law Reforms Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda was an illustrious political figure produced by the South who dedicated his entire political career for the wellbeing of the people.

The Minister moving the condolence motion on the late Minister said, all politicians had identified Minister Dodangoda as a very humble politician who fulfilled his duties in a most efficient and dignified manner. He was a veteran politician who always tried his level best to uphold social justice and good governance.

As a mark of respect to the service rendered by Minister Dodangoda, President Mahinda Rajapaksa went to the Minister's residence to offer him the Ministerial portfolio of Justice and Law Reforms considering the Minister's illness. The late Minister continuously represented Parliament from the Galle district for 26 years. Everybody appreciated him as a very honest politician who stood against bribe and corruption. Minister Dodangoda obtained his primary education from Rathanasara Maha Vidyalaya, Galle and secondary education from Richmond College, Galle. He was one of the outstanding students of the college debating team.

Later he entered Peradeniya University for higher education. During his days in the university, he was an active member of the Chinese Communist Party. Since his school days, he always acted to safeguard justice, law and order. After graduating he worked as a teacher attached to Vidhyaloka Pirivena, Galle and later joined the Administrative Service in the education sector.

Minister Dodangoda first contested the 1977 General Election by representing Akmeemana electorate. He became a prominent SLFP leader in the late 1980s and was appointed as the SLFP chief organiser for Baddegama electorate. First he entered Parliament in 1983 by successfully winning the Baddegama by election held in 1983. Minister Dodangoda as the Galle District leader obtained over 68,000 preferential votes in the General Election held in 1989.

In 1993, he contested as the PA Chief Ministerial Candidate of the Southern Provincial Council and was elected as the Chief Minister by obtaining 136,000 preferential votes. Again he contested as the PA Chief Ministerial candidate of the Southern Provincial Council election held in 1994 and was re-elected as the Chief Minister by achieving a resounding victory.

As the Chief Minister, he gave a new dimension to the Southern Provincial Council which was in a state of decline at that time. Minister Dodangoda who contested the 1994 General Election obtained 176,000 preferential votes by setting up a record as the candidate who obtained the highest number of preferential votes from any General Election held in Southern Province so far.

He also gained a resounding victory from the General Elections held in 2000 and 2004 During his political career, held several important Ministerial portfolios such as Vocational Training and Rural Industries, Human Resource and Technical Education, Public Administration and Home Affairs and Justice and Law Reforms. As a Senior Minister, he visited many countries and attended several international conferences representing Sri Lanka.

Therefore, the sudden demise of Minister Dodangoda is an irreparable loss to the entire country. I, on behalf of the Government and the Parliament convey my condolence to the family members of the late Minister."