COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankabhimanya Award –  the country's highest civil honour was conferred upon Former Parliament Speaker Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya on Friday (3) morning.

The award was presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House.

Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya represented the Parliament from the Gampaha District and became the 20th Speaker of Parliament in 2020.

He served as the Mayor of Colombo from 1997 – 1999.

In addition, he also held several government ministerial portfolios including Public Administration and Home Affairs, Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs.

Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya also served as the Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the United National Party and is considered an exemplary figure in Sri Lankan politics.

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