Parliament condoles Reggie Ranatunga

UDITHA Kumarasinghe and IRANGIKA Range

Leader of the House, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament yesterday that former Minister Reggie Ranatunga was a veteran politician who dedicated his entire life for the well-being of the public.

As a former Minister, Deputy Minister and Chief Government Whip, he rendered a yeoman service to the entire country.

Participating in the condolence motion of former Minister Reggie Ranatunga, Minister de Silva said Ranatunga studied at three schools, Nalanda Vidyalaya, Minuwangoda Harischandra Vidyalaya, Negombo and Kotte Ananda Shastralaya. He travelled to Romania for his higher studies.

He was a father of three.

When the SLFP was defeated in 1977, Ranatunga had to undergo severe hardships. But he had tremendous courage to face these challenges. Ranatunga always rejected the culture of violence. He entered Parliament representing the Gampaha district in 1989. In the general election of 1994, he was elected to Parliament for the second time.

As the Minister of Transport, Environment and Women's Affairs, he rendered a yeoman service to the country.

He was involved in providing relief to SLTB employees who were politically victimised. He provided financial assistance to depots which were running at a loss. As the Ports Development and Rehabilitation Deputy Minister, he created many job opportunities to youth. As the Trade and Marketing Development Minister, he took measures to absorb 4,000 people to the permanent cadre of the CWE.

As a loyal member of the SLFP, he played a vital role to lead the party towards victory. Ranatunga never worked for personal glory and was committed to social work.

He maintained a close rapport with the incumbents of temples and respected other religions as well. As the Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province, he worked to develop education and health facilities in the province.

His sudden death was a great loss not only to the Gampaha district but also to the whole country.

I wish to extend my condolences to his family. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.

UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya said Ranatunga was a real gentleman who was always committed to social work. He had been able to win the trust and love of the people. He did not engage in politics for personal benefits and worked for the betterment of the people.