Fonseka is admired by many as "Cinema Sakvithi". (Photo Elmo Fernando)

Around six thirty in the evening clouds of smoke emerged above the chithakaya and the man who was an unchallenged hero for decades begun to turn in to ashes.

Many who accompanied Gamini in his long and eventful journey had gathered to the independent square to bid goodbye to there loved one.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha who spoke at the funeral ceremony said "even when we were in different political camps party politics never stood in the way of our relationship"

A condolence message from the President was read out by minister Jeewan Kumaratnga. The opposition leaders message was read out by MP S.B Dissanayaka.

Prominent film maker Dharmasena Pathiraja who spoke to Elmo Fernando of Sandesaya said "He was a different kind of star. Gamini had a personality that expanded and extended beyond the personality of the common film idol. He had the capability of influencing the world around him with his personality"