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The final rites of Dr. Harischandra Wijayatunga, the leader of the Sinhala Mahasammatha Bhumiputra Party and the creator of the renowned Sinhala Dictionary (Sinha Shabdakoshaya), will be held today (15).

Dr. Wijayatunga who lived to the age of 94, passed away two days ago (13).

Born on October 25, 1931, in a village in Minuwangoda, he received his initial education at the Minuwangoda Bilingual School.

He later entered Nalanda College when it was temporarily moved to Minuwangoda during World War II.

Dr. Wijayatunga earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Colombo and later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree for his work on the Sinhala Law Compendium (Sinhala Niti Nighanduva).

Influenced by the Hela Havula (Hela Movement) started by Kumaratunga Munidasa, he became a distinguished academic who authored numerous scholarly works in Sinhala, English, and Pali. His published works covered diverse subjects, including language and literature, religion, politics, history, Ayurveda, and law.

His Sinhala translation of the book, “Practical Chemistry” (Prayogika Rasayana Vidyawa) by Browning and Joseph, was an immense asset to Advanced Level (A/L) Science students in Sri Lanka.

His remains are currently lying at a Funeral Parlour in Thembiligasmulla, Makola Road, Paliyagoda.

The final funeral proceedings will commence at 3:00 PM this afternoon.