Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga

¶ 01 [10.42 a.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I consider it an honour to speak on these condolence motions for Hon. Rukman Senanayake, Hon. Sirinal de Mel, Hon. (Dr.) I.M. Ilyas, and, as a representative for Gampaha, especially Hon. A.A. Reginald Perera.

¶ 03 This is my maiden speech in the Tenth Parliament, though delivered under the sombre rubric of condolence.

¶ 04 Born on 22 May 1947 in Wattala–Mabola to Mr. Edwin Perera and Mrs. Charlotte Jayawardena, Hon. Reginald Perera was an esteemed alumnus of St. Mary’s College and St. Anthony’s College, Wattala. He married Mrs. Thusitha Perera on 30 December 1976 and was a devoted father of three daughters and one son, who today serve society as attorneys-at-law, reflecting the fine example set by their father—unlike some offspring who misused public resources in the past.

¶ 05 He began his political career in 1983 as a Councillor of the Wattala–Mabola Urban Council, later becoming its Chairman and transforming it into one of the best-performing councils in Sri Lanka. In 1987, he was reappointed Chairman due to his efficiency and people-centred work. In 1989, he entered Parliament via the UNP National List and in 1990 became the UNP Organizer for the Mahara electorate, which I now represent. In 1994, from what was a SLFP stronghold, he secured 73,508 preferential votes and was elected as the fourth-highest in Gampaha.

¶ 06 He dedicated himself to the poor, intervening notably in the Kadawatha water project and electrification to about 70% of households in Mahara. A devout Catholic, he served long as Patron of the Mabola Church feast and personally funded facilities such as a vestment room for priests. Though Catholic, he respected all religions and assisted many Buddhist temples—hence some fondly called him “a Buddhist by accident, though a Catholic.”

¶ 07 At 77, he passed away peacefully in his sleep on 08 October 2024. I join all Members in conveying condolences to his family, and pray that he finds rest in the bosom of the Lord.

¶ 08 I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity.