Senior Minister felicitated:

Dayaratne's services hailed

M A Phakurdeen Addalaichenai croup corr.

Senior Minister P Dayaratne is a well - balanced politician with exemplary qualities. He has never shown party, political or any differences among communities in executing his services. This is why he has been continuously serving as a politician for the last 35 years, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister A L M Athaullah said.

Senior Minister P Dayaratne

He was speaking at a felicitation ceremony accorded to Senior Minister Dayaratne at Ampara DS Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya recently.

It was held under the patronage of Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa.

Minister Athaullah said however much a politician execute services to the community, he has always been subjected to criticism and disapproval by the public. "People may come to politicians to attend to their needs but once they accomplish their tasks, they never come to politicians again even to thank him. Politicians never look in to these customary procedures. Treating them and attending to their need is the normal routine because politicians treat them as their valuable assets," he said.

"In the case of Senior Minister Dayaratne, he has always been with the people and never divided from the community. This is why, not only his supporters but his entire constituent gathered round him to honour him in recognition of his services to the community. This is what a politician needs and this gives him moral and mental satisfaction," Athaullah said.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa paid a glowing tribute to Senior Minister Dayaratne.

He described him as a disciplined politician.

"He always maintained his reputation. Hence, he has a place amongst Parliamentarians. Present politicians have a lot to learn from him," the Speaker said. Senior Minister Dayaratne was draped with a Silver Shawl in appreciation of his outstanding services to the public.

Mementos were also presented to him.

Senior Minister Dayaratne thanked all for organising a grand ceremony.