The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera

¶ 01 [1.22 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the opportunity to speak on condolence motions for several former Ministers and MPs who long served this country.

¶ 03 First, I wish to speak about the late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, a grateful son of the country who rendered immense service both in medicine and in politics. I came to know him when he entered Parliament in 2004 on the National List. He had primary education at Trinity College, Kandy, and Ananda College, Colombo, obtained his medical degree, and later specialized with a doctorate in microbiology. He used that learning to render invaluable service to the health sector before entering politics, which he did for a reason.

¶ 04 As a nephew of Dr. N.M. Perera, who long served the Kegalle District, he initially engaged in active politics in the LSSP alongside Dr. N.M. Perera. After Dr. Perera’s demise, Prof. Vitarana led the LSSP. In 2004 he first entered Parliament via the National List.

¶ 05 Though a National List MP, he focused much of his work on Kegalle District. He chaired the Yatiyantota Divisional Coordination Committee and also the Deraniyagala DCC, significantly contributing to infrastructure and development in those areas. As Minister, he strove to advance science and technology, establishing Vidatha Resource Centres at Divisional Secretariat level across the country—his own concept.

¶ 06 In health, his academic contributions in non-communicable diseases, microbiology, teaching and mentoring at university level were notable. Another point: the Nanotechnology Centre at Homagama, which is today greatly beneficial, was realized with his contribution.

¶ 07 I also wish to speak about the late Hon. Chandradhasa Galappaththi of the Ampara District, who first went there with the Gal Oya scheme initiated by D.S. Senanayake. His family settled in Ampara during that difficult period and he worked with leaders to develop the area, leading to his entry into politics. He first became Mayor of Ampara after 1977, and greatly developed the municipality, raising it to be the best in the Eastern Province. In 1989 he entered Parliament from the UNP and expanded his development work districtwide. He represented Parliament until 2001, then moved to the Provincial Council and served as Chairman until his demise, working for development despite constitutional limitations on the functioning of Provincial Councils. I extend condolences to his wife Malani Galappaththi, their three sons and all residents.

¶ 08 I must also speak about the late Hon. Nandana Gunathilaka, who served as a Minister and Acting Minister. As Hon. Ajith P. Perera detailed, he first rose with the JVP, contesting the 1999 Presidential Election and later withdrawing during that race. He entered Parliament in 2000 and represented Kalutara until 2010, winning people’s hearts. When issues with his then party hindered development, he decided to rejoin the UNP and became Chairman of the Panadura Municipal Council in 2015, making it an exemplary local authority. Near the end, he faced difficulties and spoke frankly about his economic hardships and even the difficulty of obtaining his medicine. He also openly opposed the removal of MPs’ pensions, saying many of us are not wealthy and rely on that support for healthcare. Despite appeals, the Government removed it. I extend condolences on his demise.

¶ 09 Regarding the late Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana of Anuradhapura, he started at local authority level, was elected to the North Central Provincial Council in 1993 and 1999 and served as Provincial Minister of Agriculture, working closely with the poor in his area. He later entered Parliament and served as a Deputy Minister. I extend condolences to his wife, daughter and two grandsons.

¶ 10 On the late Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari of Anuradhapura: first elected in 1989 as one of the youngest MPs from the Opposition, he later represented Parliament again around 1994 and 2000, serving a rural, difficult area. We express our condolences.

¶ 11 On the late Hon. Kanagasabai Thammapillai of Batticaloa from ITAK, he entered Parliament in 2004 during war-time challenges and worked under adversity to serve his people. We remember him today.

¶ 12 To all families of the late MPs, including Prof. Tissa Vitarana, we extend our condolences. Thank you.