The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC

¶ 01 I wish to speak about the late Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana. Many Members from minority communities spoke about him because he was a true Sri Lankan at a time when politics is used to divide us by race and religion. He stood for what was right and was a friend to minorities and the majority alike.

¶ 02 During COVID-19, we Muslims feared not the virus but forced cremations. He stood by us, opposing the policy when 192 countries allowed burial. The current Minister of Health and Government have since apologized. He believed in the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary and championed judicial independence. He told President Mahinda Rajapaksa to appoint the most senior judges or let them retire with dignity, emphasizing protection of career judges.

¶ 03 Though many of us voted for Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake’s impeachment—a grave mistake—Prof. Vitarana, while in Government, strongly opposed it. Your legacy is what matters; today’s tributes show how great these men were. Let us produce leaders who believe in a Sri Lankan identity. Thank you.