Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 [10.13 a.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, I first pay tribute to Hon. Rukman Senanayake, grandson of D.S. Senanayake and grand-nephew of Dudley Senanayake. He safeguarded the honour of the illustrious Senanayake lineage and exemplified restraint and integrity characteristic of that family, whose leaders faced grave national challenges with foresight—be it food shortages, malaria, communal and language tensions, or major development like Gal Oya. Dudley Senanayake too faced crises such as hartals and food shortages with composure.

¶ 03 Rukman came to national prominence as the young UNP candidate who won the Dedigama by-election after Dudley’s demise, later serving as Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, and as UNP Chairman. He was humble, simple, humorous, and loved people, animals, and nature. I extend condolences, especially to former Minister Wasantha Senanayake and the family.

¶ 04 Hon. Sirinal de Mel was a trusted confidant of President J.R. Jayewardene, who entrusted him with the National Employees’ Union. In the post-1989 by-elections, when a UNP nominee for Kesbewa was considered, Sirinal proposed Gamini Lokuge instead, evidencing his selflessness. He maintained close friendships across party lines, helped many with jobs and livelihoods, and promoted cricket in Piliyandala. His son Gayan de Mel now serves as the SJB’s Chief Organizer for Kesbewa. We convey our condolences to his wife and family.

¶ 05 Hon. A.A. Reginald Perera, former Mayor of Wattala–Mabola, elevated that Council to be among the best in Sri Lanka, earning a National List seat, as President Ranasinghe Premadasa recognized his leadership. He served the Mahara area extensively. We pray for his moksha and extend condolences to his family.

¶ 06 Hon. (Dr.) I.M. Ilyas, like you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, was a doctor by profession, later a Provincial Councillor, MP, and even a Presidential candidate. He advanced schools and hospitals, and allocated lands—about 90 acres in Kajuwatta—for the displaced. He pursued peaceful struggles and legal recourse for people’s rights. We extend condolences to his family.