Hon. Kabir Hashim

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today I express my condolences to the families of all four Hon. Members who passed away.

¶ 02 The late Hon. Rukman Senanayake, who died at 76, was the grandson of the first Prime Minister, D. S. Senanayake. Though born to a powerful political family, he cut his own teeth in politics. He was a rebel in politics, yet a strong, dedicated member of the UNP and served people diligently.

¶ 03 He was from my District, Kegalle, and was twice elected from there. He first entered Parliament in a by-election in the 1970s. I remember, as a schoolboy, my father worked in that election amidst much violence; his car was badly damaged. Despite that, Hon. Rukman emerged victorious. Again in 2001, he was elected and led the Kegalle District for the UNP, working well with everyone. He was instrumental in bringing the open zoo concept to Kegalle.

¶ 04 He was too much of a gentleman for politics; a real gentleman. In the 2004 General Election, though he won, I came first in preferences and he refused to take the district leadership, saying I was number one; I refused in turn as he was senior. Rarely do people give up positions in politics—he stood on principle. I still remember that.

¶ 05 I was fortunate to attend his funeral and convey condolences. We respect him across the island. I extend condolences to Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene and Hon. Vasantha Senanayake as well. May he rest in peace.

¶ 06 On Hon. Sirinal de Mel: under President J. R. Jayewardene, when the UNP was seen as capitalist, he established unions like the JSS and LJWTU within the party to represent workers of all classes. Hon. Sirinal de Mel, appointed head of the JSS, was a legend who led it for years. Mr. Gayan de Mel is in the Speaker’s Gallery today; I convey condolences and recall the yeoman service rendered to the JSS and UNP. May he rest in peace.

¶ 07 On Hon. A. A. Reginald Perera: though I did not know him closely, he was a senior MP when I was here. In Gampaha, he was a people’s favourite. I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 08 Finally, on (Dr.) I. M. Ilyas, who first entered Parliament in 1994 when I also did—we were backbenchers together. He represented Jaffna and raised many issues, serving diligently, especially the displaced from Jaffna. I extend condolences and pray he attains Jannatul Firdaus. Thank you.