Former Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera has Passed Away at the age of 83.

Born in 1941, Perera received his education at the prestigious Nalanda College in Colombo. He embarked on a distinguished political career, representing the United National Party (UNP) as a Member of Parliament from the Kurunegala electoral district. Perera's political journey began in 1994 when he was first elected to Parliament, a milestone that paved the way for decades of service to the nation.

Throughout his career, Mr Gamini Perera held various ministerial portfolios, His roles spanned from sustainable development and wildlife conservation to matters of cultural significance such as Buddha Sasana.

In 2016, his leadership extended beyond national borders as he was elected Chairman of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), a testament to his influence and reputation on the regional stage. Additionally, he served as the chairman of the UNP until 2013, leaving an indelible mark on the party's trajectory.