Condolences pour in as Mangala’s funeral takes place

Condolences poured in as the last rights of former Minister Mangala Samaraweera took place last evening at the General Cemetery Borella with the participation of a limited crowd due to COVID19 restrictions.

Politicians, diplomats, various organizations and friends sent in condolence messages.

Some of the condolence messages are as follows:

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa:

I am deeply saddened to hear the sudden demise of Mangala Samaraweera, a former Minister of the United National Party and a former Member of Parliament, an honored politician who made a significant contribution to the Sri Lankans by launching great transformations in the course of Sri Lankan politics.
I express my deepest condolences on his passing.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa:

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of my friend and colleague Managala Samarawera. Today we have lost a great leader, a man who loved this nation. I thank him for his Service”.

Former Prime Minister and UNP MP Ranil Wickremesinghe :

“Mangala Samaraweera’s untimely demise is a great loss to the nation, the United National Party and to me, personally.

When I telephoned him yesterday afternoon, I told him that I was looking forward to meeting him on recovery. But it was  not to be – as the uncontrolled pandemic raging in the country  had claimed his life by this morning.

Mangala was an outstanding politician who always stood firm for his convictions which involved a Sri Lanka where all were free and equal and where human rights were upheld. He had an innovative mind that could think out of the box. Mangala was also a great communicator who championed  reconciliation amongst all our peoples. In the Cabinet of 2015 to 2019, he was a key figure who handled the portfolios of Foreign Affairs and Finance with immense dexterity.

Fear no more the frown o’ the great;

Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke;

Care no more to clothe and eat;

To thee the reed is as the oak;

The sceptre, learning, physic, must

All follow this, and come to dust.

Shakespeare (Cymbeline)”

Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris:

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris and the staff of the Foreign Ministry express their deepest condolences on the passing away of former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

The late Minister Mangala Samaraweera served two terms as the Foreign Minister from 2005-2007 and 2015-2017.  He will be remembered for his commitment and dedication to duty, for the values he stood for and for his humane qualities. Sri Lanka has lost a leader who was deeply committed to the welfare and development of his country.

At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the late Minister. The pandemic has claimed yet another life, and this time an illustrious son of Sri Lanka who served his country well. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbhana!

Samantha Power,  Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development:

“ I am devastated by the passing of Mangala Samaraweera , former Sri Lakan Foreign Minister, a great patriot and statesman, advocate for democracy and human rights, and a treasured friend. My sincere condolences to his family and the people of Sri Lanka.”

Former President, Maithripala Sirisena:

“Deeply saddened to hear the loss of former minister Mangala Samaraweera who was a humble human being and strong advocate for democracy and reconciliation. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends grieving this loss”

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga:

“Mangala, my dearest friend, brother, comrade-in-arms.

On this dark day, you have lost your battle for life.

Your family and friends fought with you, cried and prayed to keep you alive. We too lost this battle.

But you have not died, Mangala. Your exceptional Vision for Lanka and the world lives on. The battle we fought side by side, will live forever.

Dearest Mangala, you will live with every battle waged to build a better Sri Lanka.

A country where freedom, honest governance, inclusivity and respect for diversity will reign supreme. A country with a governance system that truly cares for its people and not its politicians. You were the embodiment of this all. And you will live in the hearts and actions of everyone who will stand up against injustice and corruption.

I shall for ever remember the monumental service you rendered in diverse Ministerial posts. You led the modernisation of our communications and media sectors. You hugely progressed our international relations from the dismal pit it had descended into and took Sri Lanka to the world stage, making us once again a proud and strong nation.

Most of all, your impeccable personal ethics will be hard to match in Sri Lanka’s political arena.

You shall always inspire our youth, for generations to come.

Dearest friend, Rest in Power! and come back in your journey in Samsara, to join the battle for a better and decent Sri Lanka, before you attain Nirvana.”

Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa:

"Dear Mangala Samaraweera, you were a man of the age who respected humanity and was committed to the vision you believed in according to your conscience. May you attain Nibbana!"

Former Minister Malik Smarawickrama:

“Mangala was the most honest and sincere politician we had in recent times.

He always fought for what is right. His untimely demise is a huge loss for all right thinking people and our country.”

(Pix by Akila Jayawardena)