Former Speaker of Parliament W.J.M. Lokubandara has passed away today (February 14) at the age of 81, his family sources said.
He was under medical care for Covid-19 at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) at the time of his passing.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the former speaker had tested positive for novel coronavirus.
A lawyer by profession, Lokubandara embarked on his political career in 1977 after being elected as a Member of Parliament representing the United National Party.
He was appointed as the Cabinet Minister of Cultural Affairs, Education and Media in 1989.
Following the UNP’s defeat in the parliamentary election in 1994, Lokubandara became the Chief Opposition Whip of the House.
He was the Cabinet Minister of Justice, Law Reforms, National Integration and Buddha Sasana in the UNP administration which was formed in 2001.
Lokubandara also served as the 16th Speaker of Parliament from 2004 to 2010.
