Sri Lanka, April 21 -- On Friday, the Mathugama town wore a sombre atmosphere, with every household adorned with a white flag and residents appearing mournful. In a departure from the usual criticism and ridicule that often follows the death of a politician, the sudden passing of former Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma had evoked a different reaction from the public.

Large crowds of people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities from all over the country were gathered at the former Minister's residence in Yatadolawatta, Matugama, to pay their last respects and bid farewell to him. There were thousands of tributes to him on social media too.

At the entrance of his residence lies the final resting place of Palitha Thewarapperuma's eldest ...