Former Health Minister Dr. Ranjith Atapattu has passed away at the age of 84. 

The Health Minister of the J.R Jayewardene administration, Atapattu defeated former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Parliamentary election in 1977.

He also serve as a deputy minister in the Dudley Senanayake government from 1965 to 1970.

Atapattu represented the Belliatta electorate in the Hambantota district.

Atapattu's remains lie at the Jayaratne funeral parlour in Borella and the funeral will take place on Thursday.