The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on these condolence motions regarding three former Ministers and MPs who rendered immense service over a long time.

¶ 02 First, Hon. Kumara Welgama. Members across Government and Opposition have explained his service. I came to know him closely when he joined us as an SJB MP in 2019. Though he began politics in the early 1980s with Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s blessing as organizer for Agalawatta, he always stayed close to village folk and the poor. His political foundation was built that way.

¶ 03 Educated at St. Thomas’ College, he came from a renowned business family—S.A. Welgama was a household name. That name aided his political path and reputation. He first entered Parliament in 1994 as a representative of the non-elite, and throughout his tenure he never forgot the people who helped him. Courageously and fearlessly, he discharged ministerial duties over three decades, then long associated with the SLFP and later the SLPP.

¶ 04 In 2019, when Gotabaya Rajapaksa was nominated, though aligned with the SLPP he spoke fearlessly that someone without even local government experience was not suited as a presidential candidate. Events later proved him right; his statement became a sign for the nation.

¶ 05 He earned the honorific “Lion of Kalugantota” for his service. We did not expect his demise so soon; the Aragalaya assault hastened it. The group that assaulted him acted barbarically. Those involved did not understand that he opposed the very matters to which they objected. If not for that assault, I believe he might have lived longer. His passing is a loss not only to Kalutara but to the whole country. His son, former Provincial Councillor Senal Welgama, who once topped preferences, is continuing his father’s work; we wish him success. We also convey condolences to his wife and family.

¶ 06 Next, Hon. Tudor Gunasekara. He first entered Parliament in 1977. A noted philanthropist, landowner, planter, and businessman, he devoted his personal funds and lands for the poor in Mahara and across Gampaha. After retiring from politics, he served as Ambassador, safeguarding Sri Lanka’s interests abroad. His son Hiran is a leading businessman creating many jobs; his grandson Hasith Gunasekara now represents Mahara for the SJB and contested the last General Election. We wish him well. We express condolences to the Tudor Gunasekara family.

¶ 07 Finally, regarding the former Anuradhapura MP Hon. H. Nandaseena: I came to know him during my time in the Provincial Council; he served as Member and later as Provincial Minister in the North Central Province, and we once travelled abroad together. He was a virtuous MP—truly a village MP—standing with Medawachchiya’s people, raising their issues in the Council and Parliament, a modest leader who never forgot his roots. We extend deep condolences to his family and relations.

¶ 08 May Hon. Kumara Welgama, Hon. Tudor Gunasekara, and Hon. H. Nandaseena attain the bliss of Nibbana.