The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we remember several figures who worked for this country beyond divisions of Tamil, Sinhala or Muslim. I first note that two Leaders of the Opposition in this Parliament have been Tamil: the Hon. A. Amirthalingam and the late Hon. R. Sampanthan.

¶ 02 Hon. Sampanthan was educated at St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna; St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala; St. Joseph’s College, Trincomalee; and St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa—across Sinhala and Tamil schools. He later qualified as an Attorney-at-Law and, while associated with the Federal Party from 1956, he declined early invitations from S. J. V. Chelvanayakam to enter politics, choosing to work for the party until he entered Parliament in 1977.

¶ 03 That era was challenging for TULF MPs. Under LTTE pressure, and amid the 6th Amendment requiring an oath against supporting a separate state, TULF Members boycotted Parliament from mid-1983. Their seats were vacated after three months’ absence. In 1989 and 1994, Mr. Sampanthan was unable to enter Parliament, though he placed second in 1994, re-entering after Mr. Thangathurai’s assassination. Over 31 years and three months as an MP, he was a leader I respected—a man who engaged with us during peace talks around 2001 and who offered me advice I still recall. His English oratory, deep voice, and consistent advocacy for Tamil people set a powerful example. As I said, the Opposition leadership was held by two Tamil leaders, including Mr. Sampanthan, who in 2015 carried that responsibility ably. On behalf of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, I extend condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 04 On Hon. Lucky Jayawardana: a respected UNP parliamentarian and later State Minister, he also served in the Central Provincial Council holding portfolios such as Transport and Power and Energy. Elected to Parliament in 2001, he served as Non-Cabinet Minister of Lands and Land Development, and later as State Minister for Urban Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education in 2015. His son, Attorney-at-Law Madhava Jayawardhana, follows in public life with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. I extend condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 05 On the late Hon. W. B. Ekanayake: first entered Parliament in 2000 after serving as Chairman, Opposition Leader and Minister in the North Central Provincial Council, and later as Deputy Minister (including Highways and Water Resources Management). He rendered significant service to Anuradhapura District. With respect, I extend condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 06 On the late Hon. Abeyratne Pilapitiya: first elected in 1960 to the 4th Parliament though that government fell in April 1960; he returned in 1965. He later served the Uva Province as Chief Minister and as Governor. I respectfully extend condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 07 On the late Hon. Malani Fonseka: we worked together in this House for about five years. She never spoke in a confrontational tone; she presented her thoughts with grace and was an excellent speaker. Appointing artistes like Gamini Fonseka, Ravindra Randeniya and Malani Fonseka to Parliament via the National List brought honour to Sinhala cinema. She once said her audience came in all political colours and that, entering politics, there was some division—but she served honestly without party bias, quietly helping schools with instruments and supplies without publicity. She earned every honour she received. Though I will not dwell on later controversies, today we remember her with love and extend condolences, especially to her sister and family. On behalf of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, I pay respects and conclude.