The Hon. (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah

¶ 01 Today, I join these condolence motions to pay homage to six late former MPs who served in various fields.

¶ 02 First, the late Prof. Tissa Vitarana—an eminent academic, medical scientist, and progressive politician—his demise is an irreplaceable loss. Internationally recognized, he served as a Minister and an MP. His leadership of the All-Party Representatives Committee seeking a political solution to the national ethnic issue stands as a testament to his maturity and neutrality; his intellectual politics will always guide us. When I was Director of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, he visited our laboratory, shared experience and guidance, and contributed to its improvement. I pay tribute to him.

¶ 03 The late S.C. Muthukumarana was a genuine voice for farmers and ordinary people of Anuradhapura, dedicated both inside and outside this House to meeting basic needs and rural infrastructure—an exemplary public representative. I pray his soul rests in peace.

¶ 04 Hon. Chandradasa Galappaththi, born in Matara and elected for Ampara, worked for socio-economic upliftment, contributing to education and regional development that illuminated lives.

¶ 05 Hon. Nandana Gunatilleka, from Kalutara, a steadfast people’s politician. His speeches and advocacy for people-centric policies are recorded in our Hansard. A principled politician who stood for workers’ and the oppressed people’s rights until the end; I pay tribute.

¶ 06 Hon. Janaka Mahendra Adhikari of Kurunegala—serving as Provincial Minister and later MP—was especially committed to strengthening the rural economy; I pray his soul rests in peace.

¶ 07 Hon. Kanagasabai Thambanpilla (T. Kanagasabai), prominent in the ITAK, was elected MP for Batticaloa in 2004 with the highest preference votes and served from 2004 to 2010 with distinction. Born in 1939 in Batticaloa, educated at Ramakrishna College, Kaluthavalai, and Sivananda National School, he pursued higher studies at the Sri Lanka School of Agriculture, Kundasale, earned a diploma, served in many posts, and contributed significantly to agriculture. Married in 1969 to Mrs. Santhagunam; father of three sons and a daughter; a devoted family man. As MP, he worked for education, higher education and infrastructure in Batticaloa; he supported establishing a medical faculty in the Eastern University and upgrading healthcare facilities such as Kaluwanchikudy Hospital to Base level. He worked tirelessly for the Batticaloa people and for Tamil–Muslim unity, as noted by Hon. G.Srineshan and Hon. Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, and by Hon. S. Shritharan regarding his political journey. He passed away on 19 September 2025 at age 66. We pray he attains the high state he sought, and I extend deep condolences to his family and the people of Batticaloa.

¶ 08 Though from differing ideologies, all six served the sovereignty and welfare of our people. On behalf of Parliament and personally, I express deep condolences to their families and constituents. May their souls rest in peace. Thank you.