Nation has lost an illustrious son - Foreign Minister

I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of the former Foreign Minister and Senior Advisor to the President, Tyronne Fernando, P.C. today, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said yesterday in a condolence message.

The message: "Tyronne Fernando sacrificed a lucrative legal practice and took to politics by entering Parliament in 1977 and a few years later was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1993 President Wijetunga appointed Fernando as Cabinet Minister of Media and Information, during which period, he oversaw the liberalization of the mass media, including the introduction of a number of private radio and television channels.

The late Fernando served Sri Lanka with distinction as the Foreign Minister in the UNP administration from December 2002 up to April 2004.

As Foreign Minister, he effectively projected Sri Lanka's image abroad as a pluralistic and functioning democracy.

He represented the country in many international and regional fora, and articulated Sri Lanka's vision for a future devoid of conflict. Later he served as the Governor of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

A man of many parts, the late Tyronne Fernando was also a prolific writer, a film producer, and a keen sports enthusiast. He had a number of books to his credit and also produced several movies including on patriot, Weera Puran Appu. He was also President of the Board of Control for Cricket and did yeoman service to bring Sri Lanka cricket to international standards.

At the time of his death Fernando was Senior Advisor to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

As the nation mourns the loss of this illustrious son of Sri Lanka, I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family."