The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity, Madam Presiding Member.

¶ 02 We pay condolences on the passing of three former MPs: Hon. Kumara Welgama, Hon. Tudor Gunasekara, and Hon. H. Nandaseena, whose family members are present today.

¶ 03 Of the three, Hon. Kumara Welgama was, in my political life, one of the most beautiful human beings I came to know. As Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said, he came from a business family and rendered great service to the people. He has now made his final journey.

¶ 04 When I first entered Parliament as a new MP, he was on the Government benches. New MPs learn by observing seniors. At that time there was a strong Government, and as a young MP I had the chance to engage in major debates. We initially saw opposing MPs as adversaries. Hon. Kumara Welgama changed that outlook in my political life. Though a powerful Minister then, he listened to my criticisms and debates, and spoke to us young MPs with affection. Regardless of policy differences, he extended kindness to Opposition MPs as well. Through such senior statesmanship, my view softened, and I formed a friendship with him.

¶ 05 He studied at St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, a brother school to mine. I know many of his relatives. I express my condolences to them all. His children and family can be proud and happy that their father, brother, and friend was loved by the people across parties.

¶ 06 Like many speakers, I value his fearlessness. When there was a strong Government and Gotabaya Rajapaksa was presented as presidential candidate, he courageously expressed his views and policies. Many politicians bend principles for advantage, but he stood firm, setting an example to us younger MPs—speaking his conscience at the right time.

¶ 07 The assault on him during the Aragalaya can never be justified. He had the capacity to win from any party because he had the people’s love. As Hon. Nalinda Jayathissa noted, despite policy differences, he cherished fraternity, and even those who differed politically valued him. We are fortunate if, when we are gone, Members across the aisle speak of us likewise. I extend condolences on behalf of the SJB and SJB Alliance to Dr. H.H.R. Samarasinghe, his wife Shontha Samarasinghe, his children including Mr. Nimal Welgama, all relations, friends, and supporters.

¶ 08 Though I did not know Hon. Tudor Gunasekara personally, he rendered great service to the UNP. I convey condolences to his family, relations, and supporters. His grandson, Hasith Gunasekara, is a talented young politician in our party, now carrying forward his grandfather’s name, serving people and the party; I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 09 I did not know Hon. H. Nandaseena personally. He began from the Pradeshiya Sabha, then Provincial Council, and later Parliament, which shows significant service. Though I lack personal details, I extend condolences to his family, friends, and supporters. To the families of all three, I offer condolences and pray they attain Nibbana.

¶ 10 Thank you.