Sri Lanka, Feb. 27 -- Colombo, Feb 27 () - Ronnie de Mel who was instrumental in introducing the open economy in Sri Lanka in 1978, passed away at the age of 99 today.

He introduced the open economy in Sri Lanka after becoming the Finance Minister of late President J.R. Jayewardene's Cabinet in 1977.

Late Mr. de Mel is the longest serving Finance Minister in the country and one who has presented the most number of budgets from 1977 to 1987.

He began politics joining the Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP) and later crossed over to the United National Party (UNP).

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Daily Mirror Sri Lanka....