Anura left an indelible mark on country's political landscape - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that more than a long standing friend and close political ally the late Anura Bandaranaike can be described as one who left his indelible mark on the country's political landscape.

Issuing a condolence message on the passing away of Anura Bandaranaike the President said it was with profound grief and sadness that he received the shocking news of the untimely death of his colleague which came at an unexpected time.

Though they were close comrades in arms there were times when they did not see eye to eye politically.

There were also differences of opinion pertaining to the wider national policies. But none of these were strong enough go beyond the parameters of politics and break the bond of brotherhood that existed between them.

Therefore all the forces who attempted to cause a dent in this strong bond that was forged between them since the late sixties were never able to make an impact.

"I felt the warmth of his friendship I experienced for the first time when I held his hands 40 years ago still there when I held the cold hands of his mortal remains at Visumpaya on that day".

Anura always strove to carve out a political philosophy of his own to ameliorate the conditions of suffering masses as befitting the only son of two Prime Ministers of the country. No one could underestimate his unique trait to stand by his own convictions even though they went against the popular trend.

The President said Anura brought a breath of fresh air to Sri Lanka's politics through his unbroken tenure as a Parliamentarian. His brave approach to revive an emasculated Opposition to take on the might of the then Government would for ever remain an unforgettable milestone.

The special role he played as Speaker brought honour not just to him but the institution of Parliament. Although his voice will no longer reverberate in that august assembly generations of Parliamentarians no doubt will uphold the examples he set with gratitude.

No doubt there will be new actors who will try to fit into his political shoes. However, will there be any substitute who will be able to emulate his innocent qualities that were devoid of acrimony and rancour?.

Finally I wish to share my grief with the people of Sri Lanka on the passing away of a valuable son of the soil while offering my deep condolences and sadness to his sisters Sunethra and Chandrika and the people of the Gampaha District and Attanagalle in particular.

Condolence messages

United National Party (D) Group condoles

Anura Bandaranaike who entered the political arena challenging his political opponents by his eloquence always remained as an exemplary politician in Sri Lanka. In a society where money and status is considered to be the divine keys of success, he opened his eyes to this world being the born heir of wealth and social status, said the United National Party (Democratic Group) in condolence message.

It is the common truth that power and wealth destroy the mankind. But, as an extraordinary character, he always bowed his head before humanity and never has been a slave of power and wealth.

Although he was the proud son of two Prime Ministers and also the beloved brother of an Executive President, every Sri Lankan will agree with the fact that he lived as a leader devoid of power greediness in the true sense of the word.

Antagonism is the close companion of the most of politicians in Sri Lanka today. However, Mr. Bandaranaike stepped out from Horagolla Walawwa with open heart and hands leaving no room for political grudges in his entire life.

True he was a fighter, good fighter but he always remained as a man of policies. He was a friend-in-need. While fighting in the political field he had the ability to be a friend of his opponents even in the struggle.

He was a genius in politics and a great reader of our time. As an expert in international relations, he was one of our politicians recognised all over the world. The opportunity which he had to live in the company of great leaders both in local and international political field has made a tremendous role in casting him as a renowned politician. He was a mobile encyclopedia.

Records of the Parliamentary speeches by him during the past 30 years are the clear evidence of the talents of this great politician. He purely believed that politics is always a struggle among different ideologies which pave way to the progress of the society.

After entering the political arena in 1970, he proved his capacity by holding the post of Opposition Leader and leading several Ministries. No doubt he has proved during the past period that he was an important character like his father in the political arena.

He always remained as a man of good heart. May this gentleman politician who has never pursued glory but been respected and accepted by the people of his country attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

SLMC leader condoles

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem has, on behalf of the party, expressed profound grief and shock on the demise of parliamentarian Anura Bandaranaike.

In his condolence message the party leader has stated that Anura Bandaranaike was a rare and dignified parliamentarian who was admired by contemporary parliamentarians and political leaders locally and internationally.

As a Parliamentarian, Speaker of the House, Opposition Leader and Minister, he set an example to others, the SLMC leader has started adding that he was an eloquent speaker and skilled debater. The message: "In 1988 when talks were initiated between the Democratic People's Alliance (DPA) and the SLMC, Anura Bandaranaike played a key role in it but unfortunately the talks were not successful.

"On a very significant occasion in its history, the SLMC honoured him by inviting him to take part as chief guest in the sixth commemoration of SLMC founder leader late M. H. M. Ashraff coinciding with the launching of his parliamentary many volumes at the BMICH. Speaking at this meeting he strongly endorsed the SLMC's commitment on finding a negotiated settlement to the ethnic crisis and also the right of the Muslims for self-determination.

"On several occasions I had the privilege of listening to his memorable speeches, spiced with wit and humour, when I was presiding parliamentary sessions as Deputy Chairman of Committees and also thereafter. He was respected by his friends and foes alike.

"His demise has caused a political vacuum which may be difficult to fill in many years to come.

"The SLMC also condoles the demise of former Deputy Speaker of the House Sarath Munasinghe. The party wishes to convey its heart felt sympathies to the bereaved families of the two parliamentarians."