The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, today we pay tribute to three late Members who represented Kalutara, Gampaha, and Anuradhapura. First, I speak of Hon. Kumara Welgama. He served in the previous Parliament as well. Educated at St. Thomas’ College, Colombo, he was a businessman before entering politics from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), representing Agalawatta in Kalutara in the 1980s. He first entered Parliament in the 1994 change of government and then continuously represented Parliament until his demise. He ultimately represented the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and even when he changed parties in 2020, he returned to Parliament.

¶ 02 He lived among the people—a true politician—fulfilling his duties sincerely according to his beliefs. He worked in difficult, underdeveloped rural constituencies in Kalutara, providing necessary facilities—through government intervention for schools and roads, and personally through his own contributions to schools and hospitals. Thus, from 1994 he represented Parliament undefeated for 30 years.

¶ 03 I must say this as well. While in the SLFP and then in the SLPP, when Gotabaya Rajapaksa was made presidential candidate, he openly said that choice was not correct and quit that path. He had the strength and courage to part ways with his longtime party and leaders when conscience dictated. He made fearless decisions according to his political convictions.

¶ 04 During the Aragalaya period, he was assaulted and fell ill; I believe that hastened his demise. We regret this. His son has now entered politics and contested the last General Election. We wish him strength to continue his father’s path.

¶ 05 We extend our deep condolences to the Welgama family.

¶ 06 I also wish to speak of the late Hon. Tudor Gunasekara. He represented Parliament in 1977. Before that, he had repeatedly contested Mahara as a UNP candidate, entering politics from the village council as a member of a business family, and represented Parliament from 1977 to 1983, rendering great service to the Gampaha District. Thereafter he served abroad as Sri Lanka’s first Ambassador to Poland and in several Eastern European countries, discharging his duties well for Sri Lanka. He made personal financial donations to many schools, temples, and hospitals.

¶ 07 His grandson, Mr. Hasith Gunasekara, now serves as our SJB organizer, and he too contested the last General Election. We wish that he may render service along his grandfather’s path, and we extend our condolences to the Tudor Gunasekara family.

¶ 08 Regarding the late Hon. H. Nandaseena of the Anuradhapura District: He began his political journey in 1991 from the Medawachchiya Pradeshiya Sabha, a very difficult area. He then served in the North Central Provincial Council as Member, Minister, and Chairman, and later had the opportunity to represent Parliament. He thus served at all three levels—local, provincial, and national—fulfilling significant responsibilities in the difficult areas of the North Central Province. We extend condolences to his family as well.

¶ 09 In conclusion, we express our condolences to the families of the late Hon. Kumara Welgama, the late Hon. Tudor Gunasekara, and the late Hon. H. Nandaseena.