A series of ceremonies will be held in Matara in memory of former Minister and Member of Parliament for Matara the late Mahanama Samaraweera from October 12 to 19.
“Mahanama Samaraweera, a prominent Attorney at Law in Matara contested the Matara seat representing the Communist Party at the 1952 General Elections and was elected a Member of Parliament.
He is remembered for improving the standards of living, livelihood, education and transportation of his constituents.
The landmark bridge in Matara spanning the Nilwala River to this day is referred to as the ‘Mahanama Samaraweera Bridge,’ which was initiated when he held the portfolio of Minister of Housing and Local Government.
“Mahanama Samaraweera was born on October 12, 1917. A week long commemoration, starting today, has been organized to coincide with his 101st birth anniversary,” said Nandasena Wickremarathne Secretary of the organizing committee.
“Mahanama was the son of licensed surveyor and landed proprietor, the late Don Francis Samaraweera and Livia Margaret Wickremasinghe.
He had his early education at St Aloysius College Galle and St Joseph’s College Colombo. He was the youngest student to gain entrance to Law College in 1939” said Piyasena Andraheneddi who is compiling the ‘Mahanama Samaraweera commemorative supplement.’