COLOMBO : People from all walks of life paid their final respects to Chairman of the Maharajah Group, Rajendran Rajamahendran whose sudden demise sent shock waves to the people of Sri Lanka on Sunday,July 25.
His final rites took place on the same day amidst a limited crowd.
Paying rich tributes to the late Chairman, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said : “ He was a staunch advocate of the right to information of the people.”
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in a condolence message said the late R. Rajamahendran as a very talented entrepreneur operated a business network to strengthen the economy and to bring relief for the people.
In his message, the Prime Minister recalled that R. Rajamahendran, the owner of the Sirasa Shakthi MTV Media Network and a staunch advocate of the right to information of the people, was a pioneer in the modernization of television and radio in the country.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Mr. R. Rajamahendran, who went beyond providing factual information to the people, led the development of the rural masses through programs such as Gammadda, whilst fulfilling his duty as a businessman and a social worker for the country.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa extended his condolences to the wife of the late Rajamahendran, son Sashi Rajamahendran, daughters and family members, all relatives and friends, all those in the MTV / MBC Media Network as well as all those employed by the Capital Maharaja Group.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena also expressed his condolences noting that the late Rajamahendra implemented many social welfare projects and spent his own personal wealth in such efforts.
The former President pointed out that Rajamahendran displayed the qualities of a noble human being through his social mission.
The former President went on to note that he wishes Nirvana for the late Rajamahendran, one of the greatest businessmen, media giants, and social workers in the history of Sri Lanka.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in his condolence message said he was shocked to hear of the passing of Rajamahendran.
In his condolence message, he pointed out that Rajamahendran as the owner of one of the leading media outlets in the country ensured that the media institutions enjoyed the freedom of operating in an unbiased and truthful manner whilst courageously facing all obstacles.
Leader of the Opposition pointed out that Rajamahendran’s journey with his team was unique as he moved ahead fearlessly whilst believing firmly in his vision and policies.
Sajith Premadasa further went on to note that the late R. Rajamahendran was always committed to protecting his team, demonstrating the true spirit of a leader.
The late R. Rajamahendran stood firm for truth and justice which brought about challenges to his media institutions, however, he ensured that none can silence him or his media institutions or force them to turn back, said the Opposition Leader.
Former President of the Maldives and present Speaker Mohamed Nasheed tweeted that he was ‘Very sad to hear R. Rajamahendran, Chairman of Capital Maharaja Group, has passed away,’
“He was a man who worked for harmony, and who made a life out of sheer hard work. He was irrepressible – a phoenix that kept rising from the ashes,” the tweet added.
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka expressed its condolences at the passing away of Rajandram Rajamahendran, Chairman of the Capital Maharaja Group.
“While we pay our respects to the departed soul, we also fondly remember our long association with him,” a tweet from the High Commission noted.
The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka also tweeted “Our condolences to Rajamahendran family and the CMG.”
“I wish to pass my condolences to the family of Mr. R. Rajamahendran, Chairman of Capital Maharaja Organization on his untimely demise. May his soul Rest In Peace,” said Justice Minister Ali Sabry on Facebook.
Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella in a statement said the late R. Rajamahendran can be viewed as a gentleman who valued democracy and steered the media to seek truth and justice while maintaining the important concept of national unity.
The United National Party, Sri Lanka’s oldest political party, in a message of condolence, said the passing of Rajamahendran is a loss to the nation as he was committed to media freedom and loved his country.
“ Rajamahendran’s passing is very sad news he has contributed so much to Sri Lanka’s cricket in his capacity as SLC Board Vice President and gaining test status for Srilanka and supported so many aspiring cricketers. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana,” tweeted Veteran Sri Lankan Cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya.
Venerable Banagala Upathissa Thero, the Chief Sanghanayake of Japan in a statement said the character of the late R. Rajamahendran reflected an abiding humanism that guided all his decisions in public life.
The Venerable Thero said the late R. Rajamahendran did not overstep the limit of the age he lived in but never abandoned his ceaseless determination to extend those limits to give a voice to the voiceless and dignity to the deprived.
SLMC Leader, Rauff Hakeem said Rajamaehndran leaves behind a great legacy that generated many media ventures. He was a media baron
and a skilled-silent achiever who had immense influence over the populace and remained peerless in his legacy in the creation of Sirasa, Shakthi and TV 1. Rajamahendran was also known for his philanthropy and immense contribution to transparent and open media culture that truly served as a voice to the voiceless.
The National Unity Alliance headed by former governor Azath Salley said “ Rajamahendran’s death is a loss for our democracy and the freedom of press in this country, specially at the current juncture, where diverse opinions are needed more than ever. His strength in standing strong to his values were seen when he stood unassailable over the years during the countless attacks on his media houses.”
