The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today this esteemed House considers condolence motions on the passing of the late Hon. R. Sampanthan, former Leader of the Opposition; the late Hon. A. Pilapitiya, who served as a Member and a Deputy Minister; the late Hon. W.B. Ekanayake; the late Hon. Lucky Jayawardena; and the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, former Member.

¶ 02 I wish to especially recall Hon. R. Sampanthan. He long represented this Parliament, led politically in the Trincomalee District since winning in 1977, and rendered a great service, including during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition. Under governments of J.R. Jayewardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa, and later President Rajapaksa, while leading the Opposition he cooperated when required within democratic norms. Notably, during the past period of constitutional crisis, he firmly defended democracy as Leader of the Opposition. I extend sympathies to his family, relatives, and the people of his district.

¶ 03 I next wish to speak about the late Hon. A. Pilapitiya. He entered politics in the 1960s, became an MP in 1977 under President Jayewardene’s Government, served as a Deputy Minister, and later as the first Chief Minister of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council when it was established, and subsequently as a Governor as well. My late father also served in this House from the 1977 election. Our families were close to the Pilapitiya family, and we extend heartfelt condolences to all his children and family.

¶ 04 Regarding the late Hon. Lucky Jayawardena, he came to Parliament from Kandy District after rising through the Provincial Council, serving as Chairman and Provincial Minister, and was first elected to Parliament in 1994. For many years we served together. He was highly capable and humble, serving the district and the country as State Minister and as a dedicated politician. We express condolences to his grandchildren and entire family.

¶ 05 On the late Hon. W.B. Ekanayake, from Anuradhapura, he entered politics through the Provincial Council, serving as Chairman and Provincial Minister before becoming an MP. As both Provincial and National representative and as Deputy Minister, he rendered significant service to the Anuradhapura District. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family.

¶ 06 Regarding the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, the Queen of the Silver Screen, she represented Parliament for five years and made an immense contribution to cinema. Through numerous films, she brought joy to millions. Her passing is a great loss to the arts and to the people. I extend condolences to her family and thank you for the opportunity to speak.