The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I thank you for the opportunity to speak on the condolence motion regarding five former Members.

¶ 03 The late Aberatna Banda Herath Pilapitiya served as Deputy Minister and rendered immense service to the nation, its people, and his district, for which he is still appreciated. I served in Parliament with his son‑in‑law, Hon. Ranjith Aluwihare. Many political figures have followed in his family. On behalf of my party, I extend condolences to his family and district.

¶ 04 The late W.B. Ekanayake also served with us, elected from Anuradhapura, and served as Deputy Minister. He worked with Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities in harmony. I know him and his sons well. He greatly helped ordinary farming families. His loss is a great one for his family, party, and district. I extend condolences to his family and supporters.

¶ 05 The late Lucky Jayawardena also served with us here, as MP and State Minister. Energetic and accessible, I often met him during local government elections in his area, and he was always warm and friendly. His son Madhava now follows his path. He was related to former President D.B. Wijetunga. His loss is a great one for the country, his district, and family. I extend condolences.

¶ 06 We affectionately called the late Rajavarothiam Sampanthan “Sampanthan Ayya.” He was a role model for all in this country. Many have spoken beautifully about him today. I wonder whether all parties would have spoken so when he was alive. Minister Bimal Ratnayake once said he saw in him someone who could even become President or Prime Minister — such a noble leader was Mr. Sampanthan, beloved by Trincomalee.

¶ 07 During the last local government period, when I went to Kuchchaveli in Trincomalee, I had the chance to meet him and learned much from him. He and our former MP Abdullah Mahroof worked together, Tamil and Muslim, to solve issues — whether at Pulmoddai, Arisimale, or elsewhere. In the era of arms, many political leaders were killed — including former Opposition Leader A. Amirthalingam — but Mr. Sampanthan, with political wisdom and moderation, passed away a natural death. He was accepted across parties and movements as a leader for all.

¶ 08 He led the TNA when it had 22 MPs in 2001 and remained leader until his demise. As Opposition Leader, he raised his voice for Tamils, Muslims, Catholics, and Sinhalese alike and fulfilled the duties of that office with dignity. Today’s politicians should learn from him — not to thrive on inciting racism or sacrificing innocents, but to accept mortality and practice calm, honest politics.

¶ 09 When injustice is done to a community or religion, it is right to speak out and seek redress through democratic means. But blaming an entire community for the acts of a few only deepens divisions and never solves problems. Mr. Sampanthan often reminded us that unless Tamils and Muslims unite, even basic demands in the North and East cannot be achieved.

¶ 10 Hundreds of thousands of Muslims were expelled from the North — not by Tamil people but by armed groups. In the East, some Muslim youth — sometimes attached to various groups — wronged Tamils. Using the wrongs of a few to wound an entire community only widens rifts and sabotages our goals, even preventing solutions to basic needs.

¶ 11 I humbly urge those who speak otherwise to study Mr. Sampanthan’s history, follow his methods, and recognize realities to build bridges among communities. His loss is a great loss to all — Muslims, Tamils, and Sinhalese. On behalf of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, I extend condolences to his family and all who seek realistic, principled politics.

¶ 12 On the late Malini Fonseka: she was beloved not only by Sinhalese but also by Tamil‑speaking people. We served together in this Parliament. Gentle and friendly, her passing is a great loss to artists and the broader world of art. I extend condolences to all associated with her. Thank you.