Former Minister of Education and a veteran Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) politician Richard Pathirana passed away last evening at the age of 70.

A student of Richmond College Galle, he entered Parliament in 1983 wining a by-election held for the Akmeemana electorate.

Former Minister held many ministerial portfolios including Public Administration, Home Affairs and Southern Development. He functioned as the Chief Opposition Whip From 1989-1994. He was the Galle District leader for the SLFP at many elections.

The remains will be kept at his Kithulampitiya, Galle residence for the public to pay their last respects from today.