The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, as we express our condolences today on six departed politicians who adorned this House representing various political parties, districts and times, I would first like to say a few words about former Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana.

¶ 02 Looking at his biography, I see him as a person born with remarkable talent. He enjoyed a long life of 91 years and at every stage of his life he stood out as a distinctive character. In childhood, youth and in the evening of his life, his varied abilities were evident to all. He showed us the ability to state without self-interest that he was among the eminent intellectuals Sri Lanka has produced, proved through education, sports and politics.

¶ 03 While at Trinity College, Kandy and Ananda College, Colombo, he excelled not only in studies but also in sports. He was a good cricketer, and he also engaged in hockey and rugby. Beginning his professional life as a medical doctor, he went on to obtain a PhD in virology from the University of London.

¶ 04 As Director of the Medical Research Institute he rendered a great service through his professional knowledge. As both a professional and a politician, he gave his maximum service to the country. In recognition of his distinguished scientific service, he received the Vidyajyothi national honour in 2017.

¶ 05 He entered politics as an active member of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party and at his passing was its Leader. As a Member of Parliament, he held important portfolios such as Minister of Science and Technology, served multiple times as Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts and on other committees, rendering exemplary, knowledgeable and experienced service. Though we were on opposite sides in this House, we had the privilege of associating closely with such a mature and humble politician. I convey our condolences to his family and wish him the bliss of Nibbana.

¶ 06 I also wish to express condolences to the family of the late Nandana Gunathilake, a well-known figure in this Parliament and the country. An alumnus of Sri Sumangala Boys’ School, Panadura, he entered the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, and began politics through the student movement, dedicating himself full-time to politics. He later served as Minister in the UPFA Government and as Mayor of Panadura, striving to steer his party on a democratic path. His breadth of knowledge, distinctive personality and resilience were notable. I convey our sympathies to his family.

¶ 07 Next, the late Chandradasa Galappaththi. Born in Devinuwara and educated at D. S. Senanayake College, Ampara, he began with cooperative and social work, later serving as Mayor of Ampara. He was elected to Parliament for Digamadulla from the UNP in 1989 and served for several terms, and until his passing was Chairman of the Eastern Provincial Council, providing dedicated leadership. He supported religious institutions, roads and community facilities. Even in ill-health, he remained active. We convey condolences to his wife and three children.

¶ 08 The late Janak Mahendra Adhikari was educated at several schools including Kekirawa and St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. Beginning in the youth wing of the SLFP, he served at Pradeshiya Sabha, Provincial Council and in Parliament, with broad social acceptance. We express our sympathies to his family.

¶ 09 Another important figure of this House is S. C. Muthukumarana. Educated at Kagama Yaya Navaya and Anuradhapura Central, he rose step by step from local government to the Provincial Council, to Parliament and as a Deputy Minister, later returning to Parliament. We convey our condolences to his wife and children.

¶ 10 Finally, T. Kanagasabai. Demonstrating his linguistic ability, he served this House with decorum. Born in Batticaloa, he rendered notable service as a government-qualified diploma holder in agriculture and was a person of great discipline within his party. He limited his time in Parliament by principle and stepped aside to allow others to advance. Among his important services, he supported education, health infrastructure including elevating Kaluwanchikudy Hospital and contributing to the establishment of a Medical Faculty at the Eastern University, and technical and vocational institutions. He was also active in securing an MRI scanner for Batticaloa Teaching Hospital and advanced agricultural development with international exposure. We wish him moksha according to his faith and convey condolences to his family.