The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, at this time of condolence motions on former MPs — some of whom served with us — I first speak of the late Hon. Aberatna Pilapitiya, famed UNP stalwart of Sabaragamuwa, who entered Parliament in 1960 and again in 1965. He returned in 1977 when the UNP won a five‑sixths majority. Though unseated on petition, he rendered yeoman service to secure the heavily left‑leaning Kalawana for the UNP, and was recognized as Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa and Governor of Uva.

¶ 02 I also recall the late Hon. Lucky Jayawardena of Kandy. Entering the Provincial Council in 1988, he served as Government Chief Organizer and later Deputy Chairman, returned in 1993 as a Provincial Minister, and then as MP for Udunuwara. I had the fortune to work with him in the same Ministry. Even when ministerial configurations shifted, he served calmly and dutifully as State Minister. He delivered much for Kandy, and I am pleased that his son Madhava now organizes for the SJB in Udunuwara. I extend condolences to Madhava and his brother Shyamal.

¶ 03 On the late Hon. W.B. Ekanayake, who served briefly with us in Parliament, we note his service both under the UNP and later as Deputy Minister of Highways, and of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, under the UPFA. He served his electorate and the North Central Province well; I convey condolences to his family.

¶ 04 I also recall the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, “the Moonlight of Sinhala Cinema,” with whom we served for a time. Without affectation, she worked amicably with us. Her unforgettable roles — Irene in “Nidhanaya,” Prema Akka in “Soldadu Unnahe,” Susila in “Eya Dan Loku Lamayek” — will endure. Her portrayals of feminine strength embedded themselves in our collective memory. I pray she attains peace.

¶ 05 Finally, my tribute to the quintessential leader, the late Hon. R. Sampanthan. He was one of the finest orators to grace this House; when he spoke, all listened. As a tribute, I will say a few words in Tamil, the community he represented.

¶ 06 Hon. Sampanthan was a rare statesman in this Parliament. His political life must be studied in eras, especially his contributions to Tamil emancipation. In 1977, under former Opposition Leader A. Amirthalingam’s leadership, the TULF — an alliance of then‑divided Tamil parties — contested to pursue Tamil freedom through Parliament. After the 1983 pogrom, TULF Members resigned; Mr. Sampanthan continued the struggle from Tamil Nadu.

¶ 07 He took part in protracted talks with India, including with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, culminating in the Indo–Lanka Accord. He later recognized, with admirable sensitivity, that Muslims had been sidelined in aspects of the process, and consistently insisted that any North–East merger must not proceed without Muslim consent — a principled stance for which we are grateful.

¶ 08 Post‑2000, amidst talks with the LTTE under Norwegian facilitation, he united disparate Tamil actors under the TNA, which, with 22 MPs, made a significant contribution here. I myself, as a Muslim representative on the Government side, engaged with him during those talks, and we often exchanged views. In select committees and in addressing Tamil–Muslim issues, we discussed practical solutions, many yet unresolved. Many Members will today testify to his indispensable role in the Tamil national struggle. I pray for the repose of his soul. Thank you.