Presidents' Counsel Hemantha Warnakulasuriya dies aged 74

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Distinguished diplomat and well known Legal Expert, President's Counsel, Hemantha Warnakulasuriya has passed away while receiving treatment at a Private Hospital in Colombo. Warnakulasuriya was 74 years old at the time of his demise. He rendered a great service in order to ensure the Independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law in the country. President's Counsel, Hemantha Warnakulasuriya was on a mission to educate the public about the legal system of the country and led the battle against injustice. He possessed an intense and deep understanding of the law and its application. Although his fearless and outspoken views have by now become legendary Mr.Warnakulasuriya had the expertise and the passion to take issues of a national interest to the very boundaries of democratic debate without fear and without prejudice. Hemantha's outspoken nature where he never hesitated to call a spade didn't appear to augur well in the role as Sri Lanka's representative as Ambassador of Italy and the Vatican. He served his country extremely well and his passion for all matters legal was matched only by his passion for patriotism, and his firm belief in one country one nation with an equitable playing field for all. Mr. Warnakulasuriya never shied away from giving his expert legal opinion on many contentious national issues and his contribution to criminal law will be appreciated by generations to come as Sri Lanka prepares to face the myriad of challenges ahead. His final rites will be conducted this Saturday.