Mrs Bandaranaike’s demise made headlines across the world as nations mourned the passing of an exemplary leader who had paved the way for women, promoted and protected the values of non-alignment and articulated the cause of the developing world. Thousands paid their last respects as she was laid to rest alongside her husband, Prime Minister

Having cast her vote at the Sanghabodhi Maha Vidyalaya in Nittambuwa for the General Election of 2000, Sirimavo Bandaranaike had carried out her last civic duty and was returning to Colombo when she passed away peacefully, thus ending a life of service and distinction.