The funeral of Presidential Advisor on Trade Union affairs Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra took place today evening amidst a large gathering at the Kolonnawa public play grounds.

Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratna,  SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena, UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha and Economic Affairs Minister BasilRajapaksa was among those represented the government while  UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya represented the UNP.

An estimated 15,000 people gathered for the funeral. They included SLFP trade union members and villagers from Kolonnawa whom Mr. Premachandra had associated for three decades.

A condolence message from former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was also read out.

Chief incumbent of the Kotte Sri Nagaviharaya  Ven Maduluwawe Sobitha thera delivering an Anusasanawa said that Kolonnawa has turned out to be a den of prostitutes and a location where narcotics were being distributed.