Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 [10.36 a.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, during these condolence motions on four former MPs who rendered great public service, I first recall our dear former Minister Hon. Rukman Senanayake, grandson of our first Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake. He entered politics after the demise of Dudley Senanayake, winning the by-election in Dedigama amid a violent environment. He served long in Parliament, and as Minister of Environment and Forest Resources carried out significant work, being very environment-friendly and caring for wildlife. He sought no wealth; he expended the inherited wealth of the Senanayake family for public service. We pray he attains Nibbana, and extend sympathies to former Ministers Ruchan Wijewardene and Wasantha Senanayake of the same family.

¶ 03 Next, about former MP Sirinal de Mel. As a young man, he entered politics with President J.R. Jayewardene through the UNP Youth Front in 1977, becoming a close and trusted associate, and was entrusted with the UNP’s trade union movement, which he built into the strongest in the country. Having served as Executive Director of the National Ceramic Corporation, he later came to Parliament via the National List and worked with Presidents J.R. Jayewardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa and with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. His son Gayan de Mel is now the SJB Chief Organizer for Kesbewa. I extend condolences to his family and pray for Nibbana.

¶ 04 Hon. A.A. Reginald Perera and I both entered Parliament in 1989. He began as Mayor, recognized by President Premadasa as an excellent Mayor and brought into Parliament via the National List, later elected by popular vote. He was very amiable and humble, and remained active in both politics and business until shortly before his passing. I extend condolences to his wife, son Ramesh and daughter Nishanthi, and pray for moksha.

¶ 05 Hon. (Dr.) I.M. Ilyas came to Parliament as a medical professional and rendered significant service in education as well. Having long engaged in politics, we express condolences to his family and pray, according to his faith, for his heavenly reward.