M.K.A.D.S. Gunawardene passed away on Tuesday January 19, while he was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. The former minister who was born on March 6, 1947 was 69 when he passed away.

The Late Minister who entered active politics in the year 1982, was elected to Parliament from the Trincomalee District in the General Elections held in the year 1989.

Gunawardena who served as the Deputy Buddha Sasana Minister took the lead at the last Presidential election and worked for the victory of Maithripala Sirisena who contested as the common candidate. He did so leaving the Government that was in power with the intention of supporting the President.

He was appointed to Parliament from the United National Front National List at the last General Election and thereafter appointed as the Lands Minister.