He was 73 years of age and passed away after a brief illness.

On April 16, 2015, Somawansa parted ways from the JVP after working as the party international affairs secretary.

Just days afterward, he said that he had just 3,650 days more to live.

He had said thus to 'Sri Lanka Mirror' editor - Kelum Shivantha, just 13 days after announcing his decision to resign from the party.

The following are excerpts from his interview with Mr. Amarasinghe.