The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the time. Today’s condolences relate to the late Hon. A. Pilapitiya, Hon. R. Sampanthan, Hon. W. B. Ekanayake, Hon. Lucky Jayawardana, and Hon. Malani Fonseka. Many Members have taken the opportunity to pay tribute because these figures added great value to the nation.

¶ 02 I wish especially to speak about the late Hon. Abeyratne Pilapitiya of my Ratnapura District—a leader who gave a humane face to politics and laid the foundation for a correct political path. He served as Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunication, Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa, and Governor of Uva. Though he passed away on 22.02.2023 at age 98, his name remains unforgettable in Ratnapura and across the country because of his humane, statesmanlike politics.

¶ 03 His family continues that honourable legacy—Mrs. Maheshwari Aluvihare; former Provincial Councillor Sanjeewa Pilapitiya; Mr. Mahendra Pilapitiya; Mrs. Amali Senanayake; and Mrs. Samanti Aluvihare, spouse of our former State Minister Hon. Ranjith Aluvihare. The people of Ratnapura testify to the regard for the Pilapitiya name. He served Kalawana diligently—improving basic infrastructure in areas around Sinharaja and bringing an SLTB depot to Kalawana. Though I did not do politics with him, I know the people’s affection for his family. I extend condolences to all and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 04 On Hon. Lucky Jayawardana: I met him when I first entered in 2015. He was humble and helpful to us newcomers—a trusted leader and State Minister loved by his constituents and respected in this House. I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 05 On Hon. Malani Fonseka: recently, amid the nation’s grief, she departed. Though I could not work with her in Parliament, I visited her and heard of her satisfaction with her brief parliamentary experience. She showed how a mass cultural icon can serve as a democratic political figure. Despite later controversies, we must ask whether as a society we honoured adequately one who brought such fame to our country and region. I pray she attains eternal peace.

¶ 06 On Hon. W. B. Ekanayake: though I did not work with him, I have learned of his devoted service to the people of the challenging Anuradhapura District. I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 07 On Hon. R. Sampanthan: he represented a major chapter of Tamil political life, helping reduce Sinhala-Tamil tensions and giving voice to Tamil concerns as Leader of the Opposition. I extend condolences to his family. May all attain Nibbana.