The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 [1.49 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, on this day of condolence, I first wish to speak about Hon. Chandradhasa Galappaththi. He began his political life in local government, serving ten years as Mayor. In 1989 he was elected to Parliament representing Digamadulla District and continued at various times until 2001. Under the leadership of Dayaratna and alongside Bakmiwewa, he helped bring about distinguished progress in the Ampara seat. Later he served as a Member and then as Chairman of the Eastern Provincial Council, rendering special service to the people of Ampara. Coming from humble origins, he maintained close ties with ordinary people and served across all sectors of society. We express our deep sorrow and sympathy to his family.

¶ 03 Regarding the late Hon. Nandana Gunathilaka: from accounts of those close to him, his political beginnings were in the South, but he moved to student politics in the JVP, later becoming its General Secretary, contributing significantly to the JVP’s transition to democratic politics. As the JVP’s Presidential candidate in 1999, he polled over 344,000 votes, strengthening that democratic trajectory. He entered Parliament in 2000, later worked with the SLFP, and subsequently joined the UNP, serving as Chairman of Panadura Municipal Council and focusing on public service. We express our grief and sympathy to his family.

¶ 04 The late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana was a product of both our free education and higher studies abroad, a learned and intelligent son of our nation—physician, virologist, policymaker and Left leader—who rendered distinguished service in Parliament and Cabinet, shaping policy and governance for the better. We express our profound sorrow at his passing.

¶ 05 Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana, representing the SLFP, rose from Vice Chairman of the Kalawewa Seat Board, to Opposition Leader of the Thalawa Pradeshiya Sabha, to North Central Provincial Council Member, Government Leader, Provincial Minister of Agriculture, then MP and Deputy Minister. He identified with the people’s aspirations from the grassroots to the national level, contributing notably to development in Anuradhapura. We express our condolences.

¶ 06 Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari served as SLFP Organizer for Kekirawa and as Treasurer of the SLFP Youth Organization, and as a Member of the Kekirawa Pradeshiya Sabha. Elected to Parliament in 1989, he rendered great service to Anuradhapura District and Rajarata, always working closely with the people and addressing their issues. We express our sorrow.

¶ 07 From ITAK, the late Hon. Kanagasabai Thammapillai of Batticaloa: we are deeply saddened by his sudden passing. As an MP and a person close to the people, he rendered significant service to Batticaloa, including advancing the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine at Eastern University, a vocational training institute at Kaluwanchikudy with USAID, land acquisition for the Batticaloa Advanced Technological Institute, and securing MRI scanners for Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.

¶ 08 I also note that 22 May is our Republic Day. On 22 May 1972, Sri Lanka, under Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s Government, adopted the First Republican Constitution, ending Dominion status and proclaiming Sri Lanka a fully independent, sovereign republic—severing remaining links such as the Governor-General, Privy Council final appellate jurisdiction, and Crown assent. On this 54th anniversary, we recall with pride our sovereignty, territorial integrity, political freedom and unitary character. Thank you.