The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 [2.16 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, today condolence motions are presented regarding several former MPs who served many years.

¶ 03 First, the late Hon. Chandradhasa Galappaththi. He devoted his life to politics, beginning as Chairman of a cooperative and then becoming Chairman (Mayor) of Ampara Municipal Council in 1979. From then until the end—47 years—he engaged in politics, developing the then-underdeveloped Ampara. In 1989, together with P. Dayaratna and Nihal Bakmiwewa, he entered Parliament, and until 2001 he implemented extensive development in Digamadulla: electricity, roads, schools, and revival of the Gal Oya scheme. He later served continuously in the Eastern Provincial Council from 2008 and was its Chairman until his last moment. He rose from the South to Ampara with the Gal Oya scheme and reached the top of regional politics. I extend condolences to his beloved wife and children and wish him Nibbana.

¶ 04 The late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana studied at Trinity and Ananda, later at the University of Ceylon and University of London, excelling also in cricket, hockey and rugby. He chose to serve the country through the Left movement, leading the LSSP until the end of his life and rendering great service as a Minister.

¶ 05 I must also speak of the late Hon. Nandana Gunathilaka. He began with the JVP, served as its General Secretary and as its Presidential candidate. It is regrettable that contemporaries are not all here to speak of him. There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics. He realized the path he was on was not right for him and contested as a UNP candidate, becoming a Mayor. He passed away recently amid some curiosity about circumstances. We express condolences to his wife and child.

¶ 06 Regarding the late Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana of Anuradhapura: he served as Opposition Leader and Government Leader of the Provincial Council and as a Provincial Minister, then was elected to Parliament in 2010 and served as Deputy Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms. He passed away in 2025. We convey our condolences and wish him Nibbana.

¶ 07 On the late Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari: he entered Parliament very young, following in the footsteps of his father, A.M. Jinadasa, an MP from 1970–77. Janaka was first elected in 1989 as a young SLFP leader and served Anuradhapura well. I wish him Nibbana and extend condolences to his family.

¶ 08 On the late Hon. T. Kanagasabai: a former public servant who later entered politics, he represented Parliament from 2004 to 2010 and rendered significant service in education in his area. We express condolences and, according to my faith, wish him eternal rest.