A great loss to the nation - President

The demise of Nation Building Minister D.M. Dassanayake is an irreparable loss to the Nation, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday in a condolence message.

The message: “Late Minister Dassanayake was actively involved in politics as a member of the SLFP with the aim to uplift the public.

He yearned to serve the people in his area, an arid dry zone. He always wanted to follow in the footsteps of renowned political figures such as Mudiyanse Thennakoon, Deva bandara Senaratne and Tissa Wadigamangawa.

Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike who perceived his passion for serving the public let him contest the 19954 General Election.

He held several ministerial portfolios which he used to serve the public to the best of this ability. Although his political opponents harassed him, he was undaunted and courageously went ahead with his political programmes.

He was honest, brave and courageous. The people of Puttalam and Anamaduwa loved him deeply and made him victorious at every election.

He steered the People’s Alliance in the Puttalam District, engaging in pro-people politics.

He learned from the University of Life and rendered a yeoman service for the party at the 2005 Presidential Election.

His loss is an irreparable loss not only to the people of Puttalam but also to the whole country. He was a man among men. We mourn his loss.”

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