The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I convey my condolences — and those of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna — to the family of our late former Leader of the Opposition, Hon. R. Sampanthan, and all who stood by him.

¶ 02 Representing Trincomalee, he was a capable attorney and a prominent national political figure who consistently sought a political solution while others pursued armed paths. For a long time, within democratic frameworks and electoral processes, he raised, with skill, the issues and needs of his people in this Parliament. We extend condolences to his family and party.

¶ 03 I also wish to speak on the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, who served with us here and to whom the people accorded the title “Queen of the Silver Screen.” She entered Parliament via the National List, and within this House tirelessly championed the arts. Beloved by the majority, she will continue to live in the hearts of our people. I extend condolences to her family.

¶ 04 On the late Hon. W.B. Ekanayake, representing Anuradhapura for our party, he served his constituents with dedication and stood with President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2007 to strengthen parliamentary processes while defeating terrorism. He represented a challenging area and worked tirelessly for its people. I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 05 On the late Hon. Lucky Jayawardena of Kandy, we entered Parliament together in 2015. He worked tirelessly for his party and people. We extend condolences to his family.

¶ 06 On the late Hon. A. Pilapitiya of Kalawana, Ratnapura, he served as Chief Minister and later as Governor of Uva, and worked for many years alongside our fathers in politics, rendering great service to his people. We extend condolences to his family.