The Hon. B. Ariyawansha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, condolences have been moved regarding the late Hon. R. Sampanthan, Hon. Lucky Jayawardana, Hon. W. B. Ekanayake, Hon. Malani Fonseka, and Hon. Abeyratne Pilapitiya of my Ratnapura District. All served this country and their districts with distinction.

¶ 02 The Pilapitiya family served not only Kalawana but the whole Ratnapura District. Hon. Abeyratne Pilapitiya entered Parliament in 1960—before many of us were born—and rendered significant service. Representing Kalawana for the UNP, in the same year Ranasinghe Premadasa entered for Colombo, he later served as a Deputy Minister and did much for the area—especially for tea cultivation and road development, and establishing the Kalawana Divisional Secretariat. After a 1977 election petition by Sarath Muttetuwegama resulted in loss of his seat, as Chief Minister he later set aside prime land to build a statue of Mr. Muttetuwegama, showing magnanimity in politics.

¶ 03 He had two grandsons and two granddaughters, all serving the community, and his elder daughter is married to former MP Ranjith Aluvihare. Though he passed at age 98, his virtues still perfume society. Many family and friends are present today to honour his service. I extend heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families and conclude.