The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, as we express our sorrow on the demise of three distinguished politicians who represented three districts, let me first speak of our own late Minister, Kumara Welgama, who served this House until recently. His father was a renowned entrepreneur in the transport sector. Educated at St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, he became a landowner, planter, businessman, and a humanist politician who rendered distinguished service.

¶ 02 Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike recognized his abilities early and appointed him SLFP Organizer for Agalawatta. Whichever party or alliance he contested from, the people of Kalutara consistently sent him here with high preferences. He served not only as MP but also as Minister and Deputy Minister, rendering great service to Kalutara. He took great pride in his Pasdun Korale roots.

¶ 03 He was never flustered by opposing views; he answered with a smile and possessed a rare gift for plain-speaking drawn from social wisdom more than academic titles. With practical knowledge as a landowner-planter and his transport experience, he accomplished much as Minister of Transport, also establishing an industrial estate in Matugama and leading the Kukule Ganga hydropower initiative.

¶ 04 He built a Bhikkhu Ward at Panadura Hospital and Maternity and Children’s Wards at Matugama Hospital, supported 500 elders monthly, and was ever among ordinary people—at markets, speaking with small traders, sharing simple meals, and enlivening gatherings with song and humour. He assisted many without regard to political affiliation and spoke his mind in this House.

¶ 05 We saw how many thousands visited his residence after his passing, grieving sincerely. We convey condolences to his family.

¶ 06 On Hon. Tudor Gunasekera of Gampaha: from a respected family, educated at Ananda College, he began as a land and construction businessman, joined UNP politics in 1960, became a Village Council member at Heiyantuduwa, Chief Organizer for Mahara in 1969, lost in 1970, then won Mahara in 1977. He served as the first District Minister of Gampaha and helped many—providing jobs, land, houses, electricity and water—often donating his own land for schools and hospitals. His family had deep political ties; his descendants continue in public life. We extend condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.

¶ 07 On Hon. H. Nandasena of Anuradhapura: starting as a Cooperative Inspector, he rose step by step from Pradeshiya Sabha in 1997 to North Central Provincial Council in 1998, serving over two decades including as Provincial Chairman and Acting Chief Minister on occasions. Elected to Parliament in 2020, he chaired multiple District and Divisional Coordinating Committees. Always cheerful and inquisitive in our encounters, he served earnestly. We convey our deepest sympathies to his family.