Professor Nandadasa Kodagoda rendered a yeomen service to the society using his knowledge as a doctor of medicine, the President said. “He fulfilled his responsibilities and the duties with a clear understanding of different strata of the society. He is an exemplary character for the modern medical profession,” he added.

The President further said that Professor Nandadasa Kodagoda was a great human being who used his knowledge, experience and wisdom, to fulfill duties which were not adequately performed by many other eminent persons in the field for the betterment of the society and the benefit of mankind.

Professor Nandadasa Kodagoda was the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo. He graduated as a doctor of medicine in 1956 and initially worked for government hospitals of Galle, Colombo, & Karawanella. Later in 1958, he joined the academic staff of the Colombo Medical School as a junior lecturer.

Subsequently, he held the positions of Professor of Forensic Medicine of the University of Colombo, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine before becoming the Vice Chancellor of the Colombo University.

He was educated at Nalanda College Colombo and Mahinda College Galle.

Professor Kodagoda worked in diverse fields and in recognition of his services became the recipient of many awards in the fields of Medicine, Art and Literature. He was awarded the "Kala Keerthi", in 1984, "Deshabandu" in 1993 and "Wishva Prasadani" in 1996. For his services in the field of prevention of Alcoholism and Drug abuse, he was awarded the international "Lakshmi Menon" award in 1995. He was a lover of literature and made a substantial contribution to protect and preserve Sinhala folklore.

President Sirisena pointed out that politicians, doctors, government servants businessmen and every professional has a responsibility to fulfill for the country and the people with an understanding of the practical situation of the society.

The memorial ceremony has been organized by the Prof. Nandadasa Kodagoda Foundation. Prof. Colvin Gunaratne presented a souvenir to the President at this occasion. The first copy of the book ‘Diyavediyava’ (Diabetics), written by specialist Dr Manilka Sumanathilaka was also presented to the President.

Mrs. Ratna Kodagoda and Deputy Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda were also present at this event.