Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, it is an honour to speak on this Vote of Condolence regarding several late Members who rendered great service to this country.

¶ 02 First, about Hon. Rukman Senanayake. He was a prominent, respected politician—indeed a statesman. He entered politics as a member of the eminent Senanayake family that rendered great service to our independence and agriculture. As a great-grandson of our first Prime Minister, D. S. Senanayake—the “Father who gave us rice”—and a nephew of Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake, he entered politics in 1973 following Dudley’s demise, contesting the by-election as a young leader. Despite severe challenges and intimidation under the then government, he achieved a special victory. He worked as a prominent youth leader in the UNP but suffered injustices within the party at times. He did not get the opportunity to contest the 1977 General Election—a great loss to the country, I believe. Later, at crucial times such as 1988–89, during political terror, he actively sought a peaceful settlement—helping initiate talks between President Ranasinghe Premadasa and the JVP to end the killings, for which he deserves great respect.

¶ 03 In 1989, under President Premadasa, he returned to politics representing Polonnaruwa District, working to strengthen the agricultural legacy of his grandfather for the farmers there. I worked closely with him when he came to Kegalle in 2000, where he polled a record preferential vote and ranked first.

¶ 04 Under Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe’s premiership, he was appointed Minister of Environment and Natural Resources—a portfolio he loved. From youth, he had a deep love for wildlife and the environment. I recall during a severe drought in Yala National Park how, at his personal expense, he used vehicles and bowsers to provide water for the animals—demonstrating his genuine care for wildlife.

¶ 05 He was a principled statesman. At a time when politicians are often branded as corrupt, there was never any allegation of fraud or abuse against him. He safeguarded the honour of his political lineage. After him, his descendants, including Hon. Vasantha Senanayake and Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene—who served as State Minister of Defence from 2015 to 2019—have continued that honourable tradition. I extend condolences to all his family and pray he attains Nirvana.

¶ 06 Regarding Hon. Sirinal de Mel: he was active for a long time, a key figure in the 1977 transformation under President J. R. Jayewardene—working tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to help secure that victory. The golden era of the trade union movement saw the JSS with the largest membership, led by Hon. Sirinal de Mel. He was a workers’ leader who did not hesitate to stand up for union members even against government pressure. From 2015–2019, when he was a National List MP, we had many discussions in Parliament and the lobby; as a vice-chairman of a national workers’ union, I greatly valued his guidance. I extend condolences to his family and pray he attains Nirvana.

¶ 07 Regarding Hon. A. A. Reginald Perera: though I did not know him closely, he entered politics in 1983 as an urban councillor and later became Chairman of the Wattala–Mabole UC, turning it into a model local authority—recognized by then Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and Housing, Ranasinghe Premadasa, who later appointed him as a National List MP. He served Gampaha District and the Mahara electorate well, winning 87,000 preferences in 1994 and ranking fourth in the district. He was respected across religious lines. Several of his children are attorneys now serving the public. I offer condolences and pray he attains Moksha.

¶ 08 Regarding the late Hon. I. M. Ilyas: he entered politics amidst challenging circumstances, representing displaced persons from Jaffna while residing in Puttalam. He continuously spoke in Parliament about IDPs and victims of terrorism, served again after 2000, and contested the presidency several times. Sadly, he passed away during the last presidential election period. I offer condolences and pray that, according to his faith, Allah grants him Jannatul Firdaus. Thank you.