The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, among pre-eminent figures who served our people, the late Hon. R. Sampanthan stands out as a role model—an exemplar democrat who upheld people’s sovereignty. He consistently represented his constituents with kindness and empathy, advancing policies beneficial to them.

¶ 02 He was a strong humanist who believed Sri Lanka must remain one country, with our political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity protected. He spoke forthrightly in and outside Parliament, a conviction politician who rationally weighed diverse opinions.

¶ 03 He championed not only the North and East but all nine provinces, 25 districts, 341 AGA divisions, 14,021 GN divisions and 51,000 micro-villages. He sought to address and eradicate societal divisions, promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity, and highlighting social and developmental disparities stemming from political neglect. We express profound sorrow at his passing and convey our condolences to his family.

¶ 04 On the late Hon. Lucky Jayawardana: a humble, people-centered leader who served closely with citizens at provincial and national levels—as councillor, minister, MP and state minister—never using office as ornament but as a platform for public service. We recall his humane, modest, and impactful service, and convey condolences to his family, including his son, Attorney-at-Law Madhava Jayawardana.

¶ 05 On the late Hon. A. Pilapitiya: from the early 1960s, a just and principled representative who maintained close ties with my father, President Ranasinghe Premadasa. As MP, Deputy Minister, Chief Minister-level Provincial Minister, and Governor, he served Kalawana, Ratnapura and Sabaragamuwa with dedication. We extend condolences to his family including Mr. Sanjeewa Pilapitiya and Mrs. Samantha Aluvihare.

¶ 06 On the late Hon. W.B. Ekanayake: as Provincial Council Chairman and Minister, MP and Deputy Minister, he served the North Central Province, especially Anuradhapura, with focus on agriculture and irrigation, and on ordinary people’s needs. We extend condolences to his family.

¶ 07 On the late Hon. (Mrs.) Malani Fonseka: the iconic queen of our cinema, whose creativity and artistry won national and international acclaim, advancing our arts sector and earning many honours. We remember her contributions, including during my father’s tenure, to protect and develop the arts. Her loss is a great blow to the arts community. We extend condolences to her family.