The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, on this day when we present condolence motions on the passing of Hon. Kumara Welgama, Hon. H. Nandaseena, and Hon. Tudor Gunasekara, and when their families are present here, I primarily wish to convey condolences regarding Hon. Kumara Welgama, the former Minister who represented my seat in the Kalutara District.

¶ 02 Born on 5 April 1950, Hon. Welgama was the beloved son of S.A. Welgama, a businessman in the transport sector, and his wife. He studied at St. Thomas’ College, Galkissa, and then studied estate management at St. George Estate, Yatadol, becoming a planter and businessman.

¶ 03 In a TV interview, he once said he hailed from a well-known business family in Sri Lanka. We know he represented Matugama–Agalawatta and entered active politics in the 1980s, being appointed in 1982 by Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike as SLFP organizer for the Agalawatta electorate in Kalutara. Elected to Parliament in 1994, he represented Parliament continuously for 30 years until his death, claiming 42 years in political life. That is why we speak today in condolence.

¶ 04 From our early days we saw in him a vision that went beyond politics—a simplicity he made part of his life. Among politicians who embraced simplicity, Hon. Kumara Welgama stood out. Among forthright politicians too, he was in the forefront. He rejected pretence and falsehood and lived by authenticity. If one were to note a politician who made space for joy and camaraderie, he would be among them. He also had the courage to state his political positions forthrightly.

¶ 05 Amid political instability and criticism of movements, he came forward bravely to state his stances. Though long in politics, when the country later faced tragic circumstances and societal-political crises, he showed understanding and acted accordingly. His plain living and people-centred politics in Kalutara were evident. He loved ordinary people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, and empathized with the suffering of Tamil people too. He would sit with the common villager and share their joys and sorrows—a simple, genuine politician.

¶ 06 As stated by Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa, on behalf of all Kalutara MPs we express condolences on his passing. His beloved wife is present today, as are Mr. Senal Welgama and Mr. Nimal Welgama. We convey the grief of the people of Matugama and Agalawatta.

¶ 07 It is a special moment for me that on my first speech in Parliament, I pay tribute to the passing of such a beloved senior Member. Thank you to the Chair for the opportunity.