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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Friday, 22 May 2026

10th Parliament· 15 debates· 140 speeches· 52 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23666 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  13. 13 Debate Statements of Condolence: Six Former Members of Parliament 29 speeches
    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB

      AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka paid condolences to six former parliamentarians, highlighting Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s contributions as a virologist, Director of the Medical Research Institute, LSSP leader, minister, and committee chair. He also recalled the public service of Nandana Gunathilake, Chandradasa Galappaththi, Janak Mahendra Adhikari, S. C. Muthukumarana, and T. Kanagasabai through local government, provincial councils, Parliament, ministerial roles, and community work. He conveyed sympathies to their families and acknowledged their service across different parties, regions, and periods.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem paid tribute to several late former Members, with particular emphasis on Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s role as LSSP leader, Cabinet colleague, committee member, advocate of devolution, chair of the All Party Representative Committee, and contributor to science and public health. He also recalled Vitarana’s opposition to the compulsory cremation of Muslim COVID-19 victims and conveyed condolences to his family. Hakeem further commemorated Chandradasa Galappaththi, S. C. Muthukumarana, Janak Mahendra Adhikari, and T. Kanagasabai, noting their regional service, political roles, and his personal or political associations with them, and extended condolences to their families.

      Parliamentary ProcedureEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe expressed condolences on the deaths of several former Members of Parliament, with an extended tribute to Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana. He outlined Prof. Vitarana’s contributions as a physician, virologist, research leader, university teacher, international consultant, LSSP leader, parliamentarian, minister, and former Governor, highlighting his role in disease control, vaccination policy, medical research infrastructure, science and technology initiatives, and public service. He also conveyed condolences to the families of Hon. Chandradasa Galappaththi, Hon. Nandana Gunathilake, Hon. S. C. Muthukumarana, Hon. Janak Mahendra Adhikari and Hon. T. Kanagasabai.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB

      AI summary J.C. Alawathuwala joined the condolence motion for six former Members of Parliament, recalling Chandradasa Galappaththi’s service to Ampara and Digamadulla through local government, Parliament, and the Eastern Provincial Council, particularly in infrastructure development. He also paid tribute to Nandana Gunathilake’s role in rebuilding the JVP, later parliamentary and mayoral service, and Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s contributions as a scientist, LSSP politician, MP, and Minister. He further acknowledged the public service and regional contributions of S.C. Muthukumarana, Janak Mahendra Adhikari, and T. Kanagasabai, and conveyed condolences to their families.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • Hon. Gnanamuttu Srinesan ITAK

      AI summary Hon. Gnanamuttu Srinesan paid tribute to the late Prof. Tissa Vitarana, noting his contributions as an intellectual, scientist, physician, and advocate for peace and civility. He also commemorated Nandana Gunathilaka for his egalitarian politics and public service, and conveyed condolences to the families of S.C. Muthukumarana, Chandradhasa Galappaththi, and Janaka Mahendra Adhikari.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
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    • The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB

      AI summary Ajith P. Perera paid tribute to the late former MP Nandana Gunathilaka, highlighting his role in the JVP, his transition from armed revolutionary politics to democratic politics, and his contribution to establishing the JVP as a significant electoral force. He recalled Gunathilaka’s later parliamentary career, ministerial responsibilities, service as Panadura Mayor, and eventual association with the UNP, describing these shifts as based on political conviction rather than personal ambition. Perera emphasized Gunathilaka’s reputation for being free of corruption, dedicated to public service, and respected across party lines.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
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    • The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB

      AI summary K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera paid tribute to several late former parliamentarians, highlighting Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s contributions to medicine, science and technology policy, including Vidatha Resource Centres and nanotechnology initiatives, and his development work in Kegalle. He recalled Chandradhasa Galappaththi’s role in developing Ampara through local government, Parliament and the Provincial Council, and Nandana Gunathilaka’s political career from the JVP to the UNP, including his service in Kalutara and Panadura and concerns over former MPs’ pensions. He also offered condolences for S.C. Muthukumarana and Janaka Mahendra Adhikari, noting their service in provincial and parliamentary roles, particularly in Anuradhapura’s rural areas.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala supported condolence motions for six former Members of Parliament and focused on Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, outlining his family background, education, medical and scientific career, and leadership in the LSSP. He highlighted Prof. Vitarana’s contributions as Minister of Science and Technology, including the e-Sri Lanka programme, digital identity and database initiatives, and efforts to modernize public administration. He also noted his roles in disaster management after the tsunami, all-party efforts on the national question, parliamentary committee work, and advocacy for socialist and communist causes, while extending condolences to his family and associates.

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    • The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB

      AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa paid tribute to the late Hon. Chandradhasa Galappaththi, Hon. Nandana Gunathilaka, Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana, Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari and Hon. Kanagasabai Thammapillai, outlining their political careers, public service and contributions to their respective districts, parties and national institutions. He conveyed condolences to their families and highlighted specific achievements including provincial and parliamentary service, policy and health-sector contributions, and development initiatives in Ampara, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and other areas. He also marked 22 May as Republic Day, recalling the adoption of the 1972 First Republican Constitution and its role in ending Dominion status and affirming Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and unitary character.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam

      AI summary Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam recorded condolences on the deaths of former MP T. Kanagasabai and former Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana. He described Kanagasabai as a respected TNA MP from Batticaloa who upheld Tamil nationalist principles, the merged North-East position, and equal rights for Muslims and Sinhalese living there, and said he withdrew from electoral politics rather than compromise his views. He also paid tribute to Prof. Vitarana as a leading figure of the old Left, noting in particular his public opposition on scientific grounds to the compulsory cremation policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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    • The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
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    • The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara SJB

      AI summary R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara spoke in support of condolence motions for several former Members of Parliament, recalling their public service and contributions to their regions and parties. He highlighted Chandradhasa Galappaththi’s long political career and development work in Ampara and Digamadulla, Tissa Vitarana’s leadership in the Left movement and ministerial service, and Nandana Gunathilaka’s transition from the JVP to later political roles. He also paid tribute to S.C. Muthukumarana, Janaka Mahendra Adhikari, and T. Kanagasabai for their service in provincial councils, Parliament, rehabilitation and prison reforms, Anuradhapura politics, and education, and extended condolences to their families.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK

      AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam paid tribute to late Members, highlighting Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s progressive stance on the Tamil national question, role in the APRC, opposition to forced cremations during COVID-19, and support for repealing the PTA. He also recalled Chandradhasa Galappaththi’s effective service as Chairman of the Eastern Provincial Council. He gave an extended tribute to former Batticaloa MP T. Kanagasabai, noting his electoral record, trilingual parliamentary service, health, education and vocational development initiatives in Batticaloa, international experience, and service during a period of threats and violence against TNA Members.

      Parliamentary ProcedureEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK

      AI summary Condoling the death of former MP T. Kanagasabai, the remarks linked his political work to the need for a just and sustainable political solution to Sri Lanka’s national question. Citing past Tamil electoral mandates and the post-war context, it urged Sinhala political, intellectual and business leaders to use the current economic crisis as an opportunity to unite communities and address Tamil political demands. Condolences were also extended to Mr. Kanagasabai’s family.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionForeign Affairs Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara paid tribute to former MPs and Ministers Janaka Mahendra Adhikari, S.C. Muthukumarana, T. Kanagasabai, Chandradhasa Galappaththi and Prof. Tissa Vitarana during a condolence debate. He recalled their political careers, constituency work and contributions to areas including Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Digamadulla and national left politics. He particularly noted Muthukumarana’s advocacy on water, fertilizer and agriculture, Kanagasabai’s work for Batticaloa, Galappaththi’s service in Ampara and Prof. Vitarana’s role as an LSSP leader, scholar, scientist and Minister.

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    • Hon. Presiding Member

      AI summary The House took up condolence motions on 22 May 2026 for six former Members of Parliament: Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana, Hon. Chandradasa Galappaththi, Hon. Nandana Gunatilleka, Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari, and Hon. T. Kanagasabai. The item was a formal expression of Parliament’s condolences and recognition of their service.

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    • Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara paid tribute to Hon. Prof. Tissa Vitarana, highlighting his contributions as a scientist, virologist, former Minister, and left political leader, including work on dengue control, COVID-19 proposals, the Vidatha programme, nanotechnology, and efforts toward devolution through the All-Party Conference. He recalled Prof. Vitarana’s principled opposition to the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake as an example of integrity. Jayasekara then raised concerns over a reported draft Bill to extend the retirement ages of superior court judges, arguing it could affect judicial independence, promotions, and perceptions of influence over the judiciary. He urged the Government not to proceed with such tenure extensions and called for upholding the rule of law.

      Religion & CultureJustice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi expressed condolences on the deaths of six former Members of Parliament, with detailed tributes to Hon. Chandradasa Galappaththi, Hon. Nandana Gunatilleka, and Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana. He highlighted Galappaththi’s service as Mayor of Ampara, MP for Digamadulla, and Eastern Provincial Council Chairman, noting his contributions to infrastructure, settlements, and multi-ethnic communities in the East. He also recalled Gunatilleka’s leftist political career and personal ties, and Vitarana’s national leadership and parliamentary delegation work, before extending condolences for Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana, Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari, and Hon. T. Kanagasabai.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • Hon. Rohana Bandara

      AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara contributed to condolence motions for six former parliamentarians, paying tribute to Prof. Tissa Vitarana, S.C. Muthukumarana, Chandradasa Galappaththi, Nandana Gunatilleka, Janaka Mahendra Adhikari and T. Kanagasabai. He particularly noted the public service of Muthukumarana and Adhikari from Anuradhapura, recalling their roles in local government, provincial politics and Parliament, and described Adhikari’s cross-party career and strong local support. He also referred to constitutional issues arising after the deaths of provincial council chairpersons while councils remained dissolved, and extended condolences to all the families.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah supported condolence motions for six late former MPs, paying tribute to their public service across academia, agriculture, labour rights, rural development, education, healthcare and regional infrastructure. He highlighted Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s role in the All-Party Representatives Committee on the ethnic issue and recalled his support for laboratory improvements at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. He gave particular detail on T. Kanagasabai’s service to Batticaloa, including efforts to develop agriculture, promote Tamil–Muslim unity, support a medical faculty at Eastern University and upgrade Kaluwanchikudy Hospital. He concluded by stating that, despite differing ideologies, all six had served the welfare of the people, and extended condolences to their families and constituents.

      Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionParliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC

      AI summary Paid tribute to six late former MPs, recalling their public service and extending condolences on behalf of the SLMC and, where relevant, the people of Batticaloa. He highlighted Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s work in science and ethnic harmony, S.C. Muthukumarana’s commitment to inter-ethnic unity, Chandradasa Galappaththi’s social service, Nandana Gunatilleka’s left politics and local government role, and Janaka Mahendra Adhikari’s service to Anuradhapura. He gave particular attention to T. Kanagasabai of Batticaloa, noting his contributions to agriculture, health, the upgrading of Kaluwanchikudy Hospital, support for the Eastern University Medical Faculty, and advocacy for Tamil-Muslim unity.

      Parliamentary ProcedureEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Full speech →
    • The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA

      AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan joined the condolence motions for several former Members, with particular emphasis on R. Kanagasabai. He recalled that the TNA encouraged Kanagasabai to enter politics because of public confidence in him, and described him as honest, humane, firm when necessary, and devoted to the Tamil people of the East. He said Kanagasabai’s death was a major loss to Batticaloa and conveyed condolences to his family and constituents.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF

      AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha paid tribute to the late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, emphasizing his commitment to a Sri Lankan identity and his support for both minority and majority communities. He recalled Prof. Vitarana’s opposition to the forced cremation policy during COVID-19 and noted the Government’s later apology on the issue. He also highlighted Prof. Vitarana’s advocacy for judicial independence, including his opposition to the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and his support for protecting career judges.

      Law & OrderEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionJustice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • Hon. Presiding Member

      AI summary The Presiding Member announced that the condolence motions for six late former Members of Parliament were adopted by both sides of the House. The Secretary-General was directed to send copies of the day’s Official Report to the bereaved families.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →