Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi

¶ 01 Thank you for permitting me to express condolences on six former MPs who rendered service to the nation.

¶ 02 First, I express sorrow on the demise of Hon. Chandradasa Galappaththi. Born in Devundara Thuduwa in the South in August 1948, son of D.P. Galappaththi and S.H. Lucina, he studied at D.S. Senanayake National School, Ampara, and served as Chairman of the Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society in Ampara. From 1979 to 1989, he was the first and a notably young Mayor of Ampara, driving the town’s development. Elected MP for Digamadulla in 1989 representing the UNP and served until 2001; later, a member of the Eastern Provincial Council from 2008 to 2015 and served as Chairman of the Provincial Council from 2015 until his demise on 13 February 2026.

¶ 03 He moved from the South to Ampara, contributing to settlements under D.S. Senanayake’s Digamadulla development, delivering electricity, roads, and water with leaders like P. Dayaratne, and supporting temples and religious sites. As Chairman of the Eastern Provincial Council, he served Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities alike, notably the Sinhalese in Pottuvil, Arugam Bay, Panama, Lahugala. I last met him a month before his passing at an eye hospital. I extend condolences to his wife, children, and relatives in Ampara and Devundara, praying for his liberation.

¶ 04 I also pay tribute to late Hon. Nandana Gunatilleka. As stated by our leaders, he was a dedicated leftist who worked with Rohana Wijeweera and later charted his own political path. We both entered Parliament in 2000 and our families were close despite political differences. His sudden, unexpected demise grieves us; I convey my family’s condolences to his family.

¶ 05 On late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana, a senior leader, we once traveled together with a delegation, including then Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, to Vietnam. He educated us about Vietnam’s development and briefed us on Sri Lanka’s political situation. He was a complete, impactful national leader. I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 06 I also express condolences on late Hon. S.C. Muthukumarana, late Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari, and late Hon. T. Kanagasabai. May they attain peace.