Lakshman Jayakody, tower of strength to SLFP - President

The death of Lakshman Jayakody a senior member of the SLFP who had been a tower of strength for it in the Gampaha district is a cause for grief.

I take this opportunity to express deepest sympathies on my personal behalf and on behalf of not only the entire SLFP membership but all countrymen because he had rendered a great service towards the country, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a condolence message issued yesterday.

The message said Lakshman Jayakody entered active politics in the 1950's. The guidance offered by late Sirimavo Bandaranaike made his political journey more colourful. He had the privilege of being Member of Parliament for Divulapitiya continuously for a long period from 1960.

He laboured day and night to attend to the needs of people not only in his electorate but the whole district.

As Parliament Secretary to Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike the worlds first woman Prime Minister he performed a major and vital responsibility.

He was Deputy Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs in the united front government of 1972.

In this capacity he never failed in meeting the grave challenges facing the country.

As Minister of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs he received an opportunity to prove his mature politics by rendering a vital service towards the sasana and the country during the 1994 government.

The services he rendered towards strengthening the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation as a cultural nursery will never be forgotten by the artistes.

I always valued and respected both Lakshman Jayakody's social service as well as his personal traits. The discipline with which he identified peoples problems and the patience he exercised is an example not only for novices but also certain seniors in politics.

Lakshman Jayakody who closely associated himself with party leaders used that relationship to strengthen the party's political journey. "We as persons who had close links with him are aware of the sacrifies he made to make the leadership shine without seeking leadership for himself.

'I gratefully recall the great services rendered by him as a Presidential Advisor to me in defeating terrorism and assist the giant development drive launched in the four corners of the country.

Although his demise is an irreparable loss we can take solace by seeing his son Provincial Council member Chandana Jayakody trying to fill the void by following in the footsteps of his father.

"I take this opportunity to convey deepest sympathies on my personnel behalf and behalf of the government to his bereaved family and relatives and friends including wife Pamitha Jayakody, son Chandana Jayakody and daughter Arundathie Seedevi Jayakody.

May he attain Nibbana.