Sitting of Friday, 24 January 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1738563571096592 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Parliament Opening and Announcements 1 speeches
- 2 Papers Tabling of Papers and Reports 3 speeches
- 3 Procedural Oral Questions Postponement Notice 1 speeches
- 4 Procedural Standing Order Suspensions and Sitting Hours Motions 5 speeches
- 5 Debate Votes of Condolence: Rukman Senanayake, A.A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I.M. Ilyas 36 speeches
- The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake moved Votes of Condolence for former MPs Rukman Senanayake, Sirinal de Mel, and A.A. Reginald Perera, outlining their personal backgrounds, parliamentary service, party roles, and public contributions. He highlighted Senanayake’s nearly 19 years in Parliament, including service as Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, and specifically recalled his intervention to stop illegal clay mining in the Dankotuwa–Puttalam area. He also noted de Mel’s role as a trade union leader and General Secretary of the National Employees’ Union, and Perera’s service in local government and as an MP for Gampaha. He requested that Parliament’s condolences be conveyed to the families of the deceased members.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa contributed to condolence motions for former MPs Rukman Senanayake, Sirinal de Mel, A.A. Reginald Perera and I.M. Ilyas. He recalled Senanayake’s role in national politics, dialogue efforts during the 1988–89 unrest, and conservation work; de Mel’s trade union leadership and labour advocacy; Perera’s local government service, industrial development work and water supply initiatives; and Ilyas’s support for displaced people, health, education, land, transport and farming communities during the war. He conveyed sorrow on behalf of the Opposition and offered religious tributes for each former Member.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha paid tribute to the late Hon. Rukman Senanayake, recalling his parliamentary career representing Dedigama, Polonnaruwa, and Kegalle, and his service as Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, UNP Chairman, and Deputy Leader. He highlighted Senanayake’s family background, public service, commitment to democratic politics, wildlife photography, and contributions through the Senanayake Foundation and Buddhist institutions, and conveyed condolences to his son, former State Minister Wasantha Senanayake, and the family.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB
AI summary Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka paid tribute to four former public figures: Hon. Rukman Senanayake, Hon. Sirinal de Mel, Hon. A.A. Reginald Perera, and Hon. Dr. I.M. Ilyas. He recalled their political careers, public service, personal qualities, and contributions to areas such as environmental affairs, trade union work, local government, community development, health and education services, and support for displaced persons. He extended condolences to their families and associates on behalf of the House.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal paid tribute to the late Dr. I.M. Ilyas on a condolence motion, highlighting his roles as a doctor, politician and social activist in Puttalam. He recalled Dr. Ilyas’s political career in the District Development Council, North Western Provincial Council and Parliament, his campaigns against social injustice including the Puttalam “salt struggle,” and his assistance to Muslims displaced from the North in 1990. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s free medical services, development work in Puttalam, and projects supported by Iran, describing his death as a significant loss to the district.
- Mr. Deputy Speaker - The Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih informed the House that, following the Speaker’s departure from the Chair, he was assuming the Chair as Deputy Speaker.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Muhammad Faizal JJB
AI summary Hon. Muhammad Faizal paid tribute to Dr. Ilyas, highlighting his medical and civic service after the 1976 tragedy, his role as Coroner, and his involvement in social struggles affecting Puttalam. He noted Dr. Ilyas’s leadership in the Puttalam salt struggle, which helped secure legal rights for local salt producers, and his support for Muslims displaced from the North in 1990 through housing, relief, and community mobilization. He also referred to Dr. Ilyas’s free medical services, assistance to children, and contributions to development projects including the Noor Nagar railway station and projects supported by Iran.
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB
AI summary Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara paid tribute to former MPs Rukman Senanayake, Sirinal de Mel, A.A. Reginald Perera and Dr. I.M. Ilyas during condolence motions. He recalled Senanayake’s environmental work and public service, de Mel’s role in building the UNP trade union movement, Perera’s tenure from mayor to parliamentarian, and Ilyas’s contributions as a medical professional and in education. He conveyed condolences to their families and offered religious wishes according to their respective faiths.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga JJB
AI summary Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga used his maiden speech to support the condolence motions, with particular focus on former Member A.A. Reginald Perera from Gampaha. He recalled Perera’s career from the Wattala–Mabola Urban Council to Parliament, his work on local services such as water supply and electrification in Mahara, and his support for religious and community institutions. He conveyed condolences to Perera’s family following his death on 8 October 2024.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara paid tribute to late former MPs Rukman Senanayake, A. A. Reginald Perera, and Sirinal de Mel during the Vote of Condolence. He highlighted Senanayake’s political career, including his 1973 Dedigama by-election victory, later conflicts within the UNP, efforts to mediate with the JVP, service as UNP Chairman and Environment Minister, and role in party reform efforts. He also recalled Reginald Perera’s service in local government and Parliament, particularly in Wattala–Mabole and Mahara, and noted Sirinal de Mel’s contributions to the UNP, the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya, and Parliament. On behalf of himself and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, he extended condolences to the families of the deceased members.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera paid tribute to the late Hon. Rukman Senanayake, highlighting his political lineage, role in seeking a peaceful settlement during the 1988–89 violence, service in Polonnaruwa and Kegalle, environmental commitment as Minister, and reputation for integrity. He also commemorated Hon. Sirinal de Mel for his trade union leadership and role in the 1977 UNP victory, and Hon. A. A. Reginald Perera for his work in local government and service to Gampaha District. He further recognized Hon. I. M. Ilyas for representing displaced persons from Jaffna while based in Puttalam and for raising issues concerning IDPs and victims of terrorism in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed paid tribute to former Member Dr. I.M. Ilyas during the Vote of Condolence, noting his service to displaced people from Jaffna who came to Puttalam in 1990 and his free medical work as a doctor. He highlighted Dr. Ilyas’s representation of Jaffna District, participation in presidential elections, and contribution to democratic processes, and conveyed condolences to his family and the Muslim community.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim expressed condolences on the deaths of former Members Rukman Senanayake, Sirinal de Mel, A. A. Reginald Perera and Dr. I. M. Ilyas. He recalled Senanayake’s service to Kegalle, his role in the UNP and his personal integrity, and noted de Mel’s leadership of UNP-affiliated trade unions such as the JSS. He also acknowledged Perera’s popularity in Gampaha and Ilyas’s work representing Jaffna and issues affecting displaced persons.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Mujibur Rahman SJB
AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahman paid tribute to four deceased former Members of Parliament, extending condolences to the families of Hon. Reginald Perera, Hon. Rukman Senanayake, Hon. Sirinal de Mel, and Hon. Dr. I. M. Ilyas. He recalled Sirinal de Mel’s role in the UNP and trade union movement, particularly in support of working people, and noted his service as a National List MP from 2015. He gave particular attention to Dr. Ilyas, citing his early political work after the 1976 Puttalam Grand Mosque incident, his election to Parliament in 1994, and his activism on international, democratic, media freedom, and minority rights issues.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported the Vote of Condolence, paying tribute to the late Rukman Senanayake and Sirinal de Mel for their parliamentary service and contributions to public life. He focused in detail on the late Dr. I. M. Ilyas, recalling his work as a physician, parliamentarian, advocate for displaced Muslims from the North, campaigner on local and international injustices, and contributor to health, education, the salt industry, and Sri Lanka-Iran relations. He conveyed condolences to the families and supporters of the deceased and acknowledged Dr. Ilyas’s continuing legacy through his family.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan paid tribute to former Members Rukman Senanayake, A. A. Reginald Perera, Dr. I. M. Ilyas, and Sirinal de Mel, noting their public service and political contributions. He highlighted Senanayake’s emergence from Dedigama during a period of repression, Perera’s role in Gampaha and the Western Province, Ilyas’s efforts to promote Tamil-Muslim unity in the North, and de Mel’s trade union legacy. He conveyed condolences to their families and supporters on behalf of the Tamil Progressive Alliance.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva offered condolences on the deaths of Hon. Rukman Senanayake, Hon. A. A. Reginald Perera, Hon. Sirinal de Mel, and Hon. (Dr.) I. M. Ilyas, with particular remarks on Sirinal de Mel’s role in the UNP trade union movement and his family’s continued political involvement. He then focused on Rukman Senanayake’s 1976 expulsion from the UNP, citing contemporary newspaper reports and Senanayake’s own statement disputing the charges against him and linking the dispute to internal opposition to J. R. Jayewardene’s leadership. He said Senanayake’s political career illustrated the difficulty of standing by one’s beliefs in politics, and conveyed condolences to his family and political associates.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Hon. K. Kader Masthan joined the Vote of Condolence on behalf of the Sri Lanka Labour Party and the people of Vanni District, expressing sympathy to the families of Rukman Senanayake, Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel and Dr. I.M. Ilyas. He recalled Senanayake’s public service and independence-era family legacy, Perera’s work for Gampaha and the Western Province, and de Mel’s role as a trade unionist and party activist. He paid particular tribute to Dr. Ilyas for his social service, advocacy for Northern Muslims expelled in 1990, work on resettlement, role in organizing the 1996 Ijthima in Puttalam, and participation in international solidarity protests.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs JJB
AI summary Hon. Ananda Wijepala moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M. L. A. M. Hizbullah paid tribute to former MP Dr. Al Haj I. M. Ilyas, highlighting his role in Muslim political activism, minority rights advocacy, and support for Northern Muslims expelled by the LTTE. He recalled Dr. Ilyas’s efforts to seek justice for the 1976 Puttalam mosque shooting victims, his work with Tamil leaders after contesting the 1977 election, and his consistent advocacy for Palestine and Al-Aqsa. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s public service as a doctor, his commitment to minority unity and community welfare, and his final wish for the Palestinian flag to be draped over his coffin.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. J. C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J. C. Alawathuwala supported the Votes of Condolence for Rukman Senanayake, A. A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel and Dr. I. M. Ilyas, recalling their parliamentary and public service. He highlighted Senanayake’s role in the 1973 Dedigama by-election, later ministerial and party service, and commitment to the environment; de Mel’s long trade union role in the JSS and National List service; Perera’s local government and parliamentary career; and Ilyas’s representation of displaced Jaffna voters from Puttalam and his later presidential candidacies. He conveyed condolences to their families and noted their contributions in different political and social contexts.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy paid tribute to former Minister Rukman Senanayake and former MPs A. A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I. M. Ilyas during the Votes of Condolence. He highlighted Senanayake’s national contributions, Perera’s community organizing, and de Mel’s role in labour rights, before focusing on Dr. Ilyas’s service to displaced Jaffna communities in Puttalam, his work in Parliament and the North Western Provincial Council, and his efforts on livelihoods, education, and rehabilitation. He also noted Dr. Ilyas’s role in Iran-Sri Lanka relations, including assistance secured for housing, roads, and schools, and extended condolences to the families of all four former members.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - [Unidentified Speaker]
AI summary The member paid tribute to the late Dr. I.M. Ilyas, recalling his support in enabling his daughter, ODT Jemina, to contest and serve in local government to ensure Muslim women’s representation in Puttalam. He commended Jemina’s disciplined work on religious affairs and women’s rights, conveyed condolences to Dr. Ilyas’s children, and offered prayers for four deceased former Members of Parliament. He also proposed that Parliament develop a programme to properly recognise the service of departed Members and create a framework to guide current and future politicians.
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Rauff Hakeem paid tribute to former Members Rukman Senanayake, Sirinal de Mel, A.A. Reginald Perera and Dr. I.M. Ilyas during condolence proceedings. He recalled Senanayake’s role in party politics, alliances and clandestine contacts during the 1988 period, de Mel’s leadership in the National Employees Union, and Perera’s service in local government and Parliament. He also described Dr. I.M. Ilyas as an important figure in the political history of Sri Lankan Muslims and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- 6 Adjournment Adjournment 1 speeches