Jeyaraj Fernandopulle (30 April 1953 – 6 April 2008) was a Sri Lankan politician and lawyer who held several ministerial portfolios in the governments of Presidents Chandrika Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa. He was a prominent member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).
Early life and education
- Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to a Catholic family of Indian Tamil descent.
- Attended St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Colombo.
- Practised as an attorney before entering politics.
Political career
- Elected to the Sri Lankan Parliament for the Gampaha District in 1994 and subsequently re‑elected in 2000, 2001, and 2004.
- Held the following ministerial positions:
- Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping (2001–2004) – oversaw major road construction projects, including the A1 highway upgrade.
- Minister of Civil Aviation (2004–2008) – involved in the development of Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Minister of Public Works and Public Service (2007–2008).
- Served as the Chairman of the Committee on the Investigation of Serious Violations of the Constitution and the Rule of Law in the Parliament.
Assassination
- On 6 April 2008, Fernandopulle was killed in a suicide bomb attack carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) targeting a commuter train at Dehawewa junction, near Colombo. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 19 civilians and injured dozens.
- The Sri Lankan government attributed the bombing to the LTTE, which later confirmed responsibility.
Legacy
- Fernandopulle is remembered for his contributions to infrastructure development, particularly in road and airport projects.
- Several public facilities and roads in the Gampaha district bear his name, reflecting his impact on regional development.
References
- Department of Elections, Sri Lanka – Parliamentary election results (1994, 2000, 2001, 2004).
- Ministry of Highways, Ports & Shipping – Historical overview of projects (archived).
- "LTTE suicide bomber kills Sri Lankan minister," BBC News, 7 April 2008.
- Official Parliament of Sri Lanka biography (archived).
