Forthright Sripathy who fearlessly exposed Govt. corruption silenced

(February 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) M.P. Sripathy Sooriyarachchi, a former Minister of the Rajapakse Govt. and later member of the National Congress (SLFP –M wing) who was hunted and hounded by the Rajapakse Govt. since his defection, and a victim of Govt.’s ruthless venom and vengeances died on Saturday (09 Feb) under every circumstance of tragedy when his vehicle he was traveling in allegedly veered of the road and hit a tree at Anuradhapura.

MP Sripathi Sooriyarachchi met with his tragic death exactly one year after he was stripped of his ministerial portfolio by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on February 9, 2007. The death toll of the accident which claimed his life has also risen to four now, including two of his bodyguards, the Driver and a Director of Isura FM Radio.

Sooriyarachchy was acclaimed for his fearless exposures on the nefarious Govt. –LTTE deal at the last Presidential elections which precluded the voters in the North from exercising their franchise leading to Rajapakse victory which otherwise would have tilted the scale in favour of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe for Presidency on the vote count.

Sooriyaarachchy leaves his wife and four children. His funeral is to be held on Wednesday (13 Feb) evening. The last rights will be performed at the General Cemetery, Kanatte.

The UNP, the National Congress, their Leader and membership extend their profound condolences to his family and beloved ones on his untimely demise deemed as a great blow to fearless, frank and forthright politics.