The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, today we present condolence motions on three former legislators who served the people.

¶ 02 First, Hon. Kumara Welgama. From a business family, he chose to serve country and people over business, joining the SLFP as a youth and coming to Parliament in 1994, serving uninterrupted for 30 years until 2024. Though we were in different parties—the SLFP/SLPP and later the SJB—we relied on him as a colleague and friend. In 2020 he decided that the best and correct choice for him was the SJB and contested with us. Generally, it is very difficult for a politician to come to Parliament from both of two different parties—but due to his political capacity and public affection, he did so with the SLFP and later the SJB. As Minister of Transport and as Deputy Minister of Power and Energy, he rendered great service, remaining close to the people, undefeated, and then departed. On behalf of the SJB and personally, I extend condolences to Mrs. Welgama and the children.

¶ 03 The late former MP Hon. Tudor Gunasekara began his parliamentary journey with J.R. Jayewardene’s 1977 victory. Starting at the village council, he came to Parliament and later served as District Minister, and maintained links with our party as well. He came from a prominent, landowning, wealthy family in Gampaha. Like the late Hon. Dayasiri Karunathilaka, his family long held the office of Diyawadana Nilame at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. He was an alumnus of Ananda College, as am I. He did not profiteer from politics; he faced no allegations of corruption. After politics he served as Ambassador in countries including Poland and Bulgaria. He donated personal lands to the people—about 50 acres for housing schemes—setting an example for politicians today. His son Hiran and daughter are respected citizens; and his grandson Hasith Gunasekara is today the SJB organizer for Mahara, a talented youth with a bright future. On behalf of the SJB and personally, I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 04 Likewise, the late Hon. H. Nandaseena served at local, provincial, and then national level for a long period. We extend our sorrow and condolences to his family.