The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, as we consider these Votes of Condolence, I especially note our district’s accomplished and humane leader, Hon. Kumara Welgama. Beginning with the SLFP in Kalutara, he engaged in politics for 42 years and was elected to Parliament on 16th August 1994, serving nearly 30 years continuously—both in Government and Opposition—as Deputy Minister, Cabinet Minister, and Minister, fulfilling his duty to district and nation, and serving as a political mentor to us.

¶ 02 Kumara Welgama, usually dressed simply in sarong and shirt, greeted everyone—ally or opponent—warmly and respectfully. From 1977 to 1994, during UNP rule, he was a lion within our camp, thus the people named him the “Lion of Kalugantota.”

¶ 03 From the most underdeveloped electoral area, he transformed Agalawatta—once lacking electricity and roads—into an area with near-universal electrification and improved infrastructure. Many now work in the railway, SLTB, industrial and transport sectors thanks to pathways he helped create.

¶ 04 He always spoke plainly and acted fearlessly. For years he provided school packs—books, bags, lunch boxes and stationery—to around 22,500 Grade 1 entrants annually across Kalutara, showing vision and care for the future.

¶ 05 Had he contested the 14th November 2024 Parliamentary Election, I have no doubt he would have been returned by the people’s trust.

¶ 06 His health worsened after COVID and then the Aragalaya. Despite his earlier opposition to nominating Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the Presidency—costing him politically—he was assaulted during the protests. He even asked courts to release his assailants, recognizing their youth; such was his humanity.

¶ 07 We have lost a humane, grounded, candid leader who practiced people’s politics. His son, Senal Welgama, a young lawyer who has served on the Provincial Council and contested for Parliament, is continuing his father’s path. On behalf of our Kalutara political fraternity and the people, we express our deepest condolences and pray that he attains peace.

¶ 08 Thank you, Madam Presiding Member.