Last Male of Bandaranayaike’s Generation Passes Away

(March 16, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Former Minister and Parliamentarian Anura Bandaranaike passed away on today evening after a brief illness. Mr. Bandaranaike was one of the most experienced politicians in the country.

Anura Bandaranaike (Anura Priyadarshi Solomon Dias Bandaranaike) was born on February 15, 1949 as the only son of two Prime Ministers (Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike) of Sri Lanka. He was blessed with two elder sisters including former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. Educated at the Royal College, proceeded to London, U.K. but returned to enter active politics and selected to the Parliament in 1977.
In the Parliament, he has played many roles, including the post of Speaker of the11th Parliament (2000 - 2001). He held the portfolios of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Education, Cultural and National Heritage. He was also the Leader of the Opposition from 1983 to 1988.

In Parliament he represented the Attanagalla electorate in the Gampaha District.

Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the late MP Anura Bandaranaike’s official residence, ‘Wisumpaya’ in Colombo and paid his last respect to his colleague.

- Sri Lanka Guardian