Former Speaker W.J.M.Lokubandara passes away

• He was elected Speaker in April 2004 and held the post till 2010

By Yohan Perera  

Former Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara who was undergoing treatment for COVID -19 at the IDH Hospital succumbed to his illness yesterday.  

Late Mr. Lokubandara was a veteran politician who held several ministerial posts since 1989. He was appointed Minister of Education Cultural Affairs and Buddha Sasana in 1989 and was appointed Minister of Justice and Law Reforms in 2002. He also held the indigenous medicines portfolio.   

He was elected Speaker in April 2004 and held this post till 2010. He was later appointed the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province.  

Born on April 5, 1941, Wijesinghe Jayaweera Mudiyanselage Lokubandara had his basic education at Bandarawela MMV and later had his Higher Education at the University of Peradeniya. He was also a Sinhalese scholar, author and a songwriter. He was famous for his witty use of the language.