Muslim Congress mourns passing of former PM Jayaratne

Leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress MP Rauff Hakeem in a statement conveyed his deepest condolences at the passing away of the former Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne. The remarkable and outstanding services rendered by him will always be remembered by all community members, irrespective of any ethnic, race, religion, language or political disparities, Hakeem said.  

He mentioned that D.M. Jayaratne was a dynamic leader who had entered politics from the Gampola electorate through the local Government elections and the party rank and file. Subsequently, through sheer hard work he rose up the party ladder to hold higher positions, including Central Government ministerial portfolios before finally succeeding in securing the position of Prime Minister. The following is MP Rauff Hakeem’s message.Even when he held various higher positions in politics, he was an extraordinarily unassuming leader who had a strong relationship particularly with the grassroots communities. 

D.M. Jayaratne rendered selfless service with much interest and deep commitment to his chosen area of work in politics befitting his eminence and seniority in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He maintained a close camaraderie all along with the former Minister and Founder of Gampola Zahira College, Bathiudeen Mohamed. 

It is appropriate to point out that although he always had politically divergent views to that of the former Opposition Minister late A.R.M.A. Cader, both of them maintained a pleasant and united relationship both in their personal and public lives.    

The late D.M. Jayaratne succeeded in serving the people of his Gampola electorate in Kandy district and above all, to the whole nation, during his tenure in the Parliament as the representative of the Gampola electorate.

Even during his illness, he courageously played his political role with much vigour when it was called upon him to do so for the welfare of the country. 

He was also a devout Buddhist who worked towards the uplift of his fraternity. He is survived by his son Anuratha Jayaratne, his successful political heir who is a Member of Parliament.

As the Kandy district Member of Parliament and the leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the beloved family members and loved ones of late D.M. Jayaratne at their time of bereavement.