Sanath Nishantha goes on his last journey teaching a lesson on life and death

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe and Lalith Nawaratne 

State Minister Sanath Nishantha who met with a tragic death was laid to rest with the lesson for everyone including the politicians that everyone in this world will have to face death in an unexpected moment. 

This was highlighted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his condolence message.

The State Minister’s death has taught everyone a lesson. Buddha taught us that death is the only thing that is certain in this world. Buddha also thought that death would come at an unexpected moment,” the President said in his message. He also quoted the bible saying ‘One who curses his brother thinking that he is living under light actually lives in the dark,” he therefore said. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message recalled how the late State Minister stood by him during his lifetime. The state minister did whatever he did with dedication. He stood for the unity of the country and renounced separatism,  the message read out by MP Namal Rajapaksa said. The message of former President was read out by MP Namal Rajapaksa despite the former’s presence at the funeral. 

A special police contingent of 380 officers was deployed to provide security at the funeral. A senior police official said a large crowd including several ministers, parliamentarians and VIPs were scheduled to attend the funeral and that steps were taken to enhance security in the area. He said the police contingent comprised officers from police stations in the North Western Province. 

• A special police contingent of 380 officers was deployed at the funeral