Reggie Ranatunga, MP for Gampaha (United People's Freedom Alliance), passed away a short while ago in a private hospital. A staunch SLFP, he held important posts in the party and the Government. The former Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province last entered Parliament after the tragic death of,Sripathi Sooriyarachchi.

Ranatunga is the father of Sri Lanka's legendary cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga who is also a Member of Parliament representing the Colombo District.