The 52nd commemoration ceremony of the late Mr. Philip Gunawardena, a pioneer in the establishment of the socialist movement in Sri Lanka, took place at the Sri Lanka Foundation in Colombo, yesterday (31) under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The celebration of virtues was presided over by Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Anu Nayake Thero, the Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardanepura and the Chief Prelate of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya.
Professor Ranil Senanayake, an ecosystem scientist, delivered the keynote speech titled “Environment and Development”.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, several Ministers and Parliamentarians, former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, scholars, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, government officials, and other distinguished guests graced the occasion. Also in attendance were a group of individuals and family members of the Late Philip Gunawardena.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, at the 52nd commemoration ceremony of the late Philip Gunawardena, at the SLFI on Sunday.
