The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I first wish to make a few remarks on the Vote of Condolence for former Cabinet Minister Kumara Welgama, who led the SLFP/PA/UPFA/SJB in the Kalutara District at various times. On behalf of the Government, I extend our sympathies to his beloved wife, his children including Senal Welgama, and his siblings including Nimal Welgama.

¶ 02 Kumara Welgama was a unique political character—impossible to copy. He worked through generations with our elders as well as ours. He began as SLFP Organizer for Agalawatta in 1982. In the 1980s’ difficult political environment—marked by authoritarian tendencies—he was an unafraid young organizer who raised his voice against injustice and gave courage to SLFP supporters who had been sidelined.

¶ 03 After 1994, he held several deputy and Cabinet portfolios and was closely associated with development work in the district—industrial estates, school buses, and infrastructure. He began politics from one of the most difficult seats in Kalutara—Agalawatta—later organizing Matugama as well. He is remembered as a simple leader; regardless of the security situation, he moved among the people without security, visiting homes even at night, known simply as “Kumara Mahattaya.”

¶ 04 He was fearless in expressing opinions and acting accordingly. In 2004, when we in the JVP marched from Galle to Colombo against division of the country, he joined along the Kalutara stretch, acting by his convictions. Even when some of his later decisions carried political cost, he voiced them for the country. Though the events of recent years affected him mentally and physically, he tried to guide the younger generation toward better politics. We pray that he attains peace and extend condolences to his family.

¶ 05 Thank you.