The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 [2.45 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, on this day of condolence, I take this opportunity to remember several former MPs and Ministers who served for years.

¶ 03 First, the late Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari of Anuradhapura. He was once the youngest SLFP MP, leading the Kekirawa seat under the People’s Alliance. An alumnus of Mayurapada Central College, Narammla, he lived a simple life and, after entering Parliament, served Kekirawa and the broader Anuradhapura District greatly. A capable orator, his brother later entered politics as well. He worked tirelessly both in and outside Parliament for Anuradhapura. I wish him Nibbana.

¶ 04 Another SLFP leader of Anuradhapura, the late Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana, first served in 1991 as Opposition Leader of Thalawa Pradeshiya Sabha, then was elected to the North Central Provincial Council in 1992, later serving as Government Leader and Provincial Minister of Agriculture. He was elected thrice to the Provincial Council and in 2010 entered Parliament with the UPFA, serving from 2013 to 2015 as Deputy Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, and returned to Parliament in 2024 under the SLPP. He passed away at 73. He was a strong voice here, persistently raising issues of water, fertilizer and agriculture for his area, sometimes clashing with the Speaker in his zeal. He rendered great service to his villages. As SLFP General Secretary, I convey our respect to him.

¶ 05 Next, Hon. T. Kanagasabai. He served with us in the Sixth Parliament (2004–2010), one of the TNA Members then nominated by the LTTE. He was a very significant MP for Batticaloa, attended every sitting with us, and spoke and worked tirelessly on issues in his area. We regret his passing and, according to my faith, I pray he attain Nibbana.

¶ 06 The late Hon. Chandradhasa Galappaththi was a leader who made a great contribution for the people of the Gal Oya valley in Digamadulla. He served as Chairman of the Eastern Provincial Council until his demise. His father had worked with the Gal Oya Development Board; he studied at Ampara Primary and then at Ampara Maha Vidyalaya (now D.S. Senanayake National School). He chaired the Ampara Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society and was elected as the first Mayor of Ampara in 1979, winning a second term as well. He served as MP in 1994, 2000 and 2001; though defeated in 2004, from 1960 to 1977 he gave strength to the UNP and later, in 1977, to Ampara’s victory. I once had the opportunity to assist his Provincial Council campaign; he worked extremely hard for Digamadulla's people, both in and out of Parliament, and finally served as an SJB organizer until his passing.

¶ 07 Finally, I must respectfully recall Prof. Nissanka (Tissa) Vitarana, an indelible figure in our politics, born in 1934, nephew of Dr. N.M. Perera. He began political work as an Anandian and Trinity alumnus and rose to lead the LSSP, rendering distinguished service as a scholar, scientist and Minister.