Mrs. Swinitha Gunaratne, Life Member of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and former Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, passed away on November 23, 2009 after a brief illness, a press condolence message issued by the BASL said.

She was an Executive Committee member of the BASL for 3 consecutive years from 2005 and a long standing delegate to the Bar Council spanning over 20 years.

She was also the Chairperson of the Social and Welfare Committee for 2 years (2005-2007) and organised the Neethi Ranga Entertainment show in both years and also made arrangements for a foreign tour for the BASL members during the said 2 years.

She was a very dedicated professional as well as a great social worker who proved her efficiency in every task she undertook.

She was a Life Member of the Sri Lankan Women Lawyers' Association and was highly involved in every project initiated for the welfare of female members of the BASL for well over 20 years.

She was the President of the Colombo Magistrate Court Lawyers' Association in 2002 where she enjoyed a lucrative practice.

Swinitha was also a Life Member of the SLFP Lawyers' Association and actively involved in all activities of the said Association.

The President and the Executive Committee of the Bar Association convey its heartfelt condolences to her daughter Indira and her family on the loss of her beloved mother.

The cortege will leave residence No. 131/5, Kirulapone Avenue, Colombo 5 at 3.45 p.m. for cremation at the General Cemetery, Borella (Buddhist section) at 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2009.