Former Cabinet Minister and prominent Southern politician Mahinda Wijesekara has passed away this morning (2) at the age of 83.

Wijesekara had been in poor health for an extended period following injuries sustained in a bomb attack by the LTTE in Godapitiya, Matara.

He was the father of former Minister Kanchana Wijesekara.

During his political career, Wijesekara held several key ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Postal and Telecommunication Services in 2008 and Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from 2001 to 2004.

He also served as a Member of Parliament for over two decades, representing the People’s Alliance, the United National Party, and the United People’s Freedom Alliance.