The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, we consider the condolence motion on the late former MPs Kumara Welgama, H. Nandaseena, and Tudor Gunasekara. All three rendered much good to this country.

¶ 03 I had the opportunity to associate long with Hon. Kumara Welgama. As MP and Minister he did much good. As Minister of Transport, he effected transformative changes—rehabilitating the Jaffna–Colombo and Mannar–Colombo rail lines, improving signalling, and more, with the assistance of India. He also created employment for youth and conducted himself as an upright politician. From 1994 to 2024 he consistently secured large majorities in Kalutara.

¶ 04 When his party nominated Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the presidency, he opposed it from within the party, despite knowing he was Mahinda Rajapaksa’s brother and former Defence Secretary, saying he was not suited to the highest office. He asked publicly, “How can you entrust the Presidency to someone who has not even served as a local councillor?” He was a mature politician who spoke openly and honestly. During the Aragalaya, some wrongdoers assaulted and grievously injured him; still, he proceeded without cursing anyone. His loss is a great loss to the country and to the people of Kalutara. On behalf of my party, I extend deep condolences to his family and supporters.

¶ 05 The late Hon. H. Nandaseena was from the Medawachchiya area where I married. He was close to me. He served as Provincial Councillor, Minister, and Acting Chief Minister in the North Central Provincial Council, doing much work there. Though he came to Parliament only once, he did great service to Anuradhapura, particularly to Medawachchiya. His loss is a severe blow to the country and his district. On behalf of my party, I extend condolences to his family, relations, the people of Anuradhapura, and his supporters.

¶ 06 The late Hon. Tudor Gunasekara was elected from Gampaha in 1977 and later served as Sri Lanka’s first Ambassador to Poland, rendering notable service. He came from a wealthy family and did much for Gampaha during his political life, and made great sacrifices for the growth of the UNP. His loss is a blow to the country and Gampaha. On behalf of my party, I extend condolences to his family.