Hon. Mujibur Rahman

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the passing of four former Hon. Members. Although I did not work closely with Hon. Reginald Perera or Hon. Rukman Senanayake, I have heard of Hon. Rukman as a humble democrat who valued and practiced democracy, working with everyone. I extend condolences to both families.

¶ 02 Regarding late MP Hon. Sirinal de Mel, I came to know him around 2005 when I became involved with the UNP. He greatly contributed to the trade union movement and, between 1977 and 1994, played a major role in the UNP, especially for working people. In 2015, as a National List MP, he worked humbly and engaged with all. My condolences to his family.

¶ 03 On late Hon. Dr. I. M. Ilyas: he first contested in 1977 through the Tamil United Liberation Front. In response to the 1976 Puttalam Grand Mosque incident, he fought for the victims from his youth. He entered Parliament in 1994. I knew him from the mid-1990s; he participated in every struggle—international causes like Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq, and Bosnia—joining protests in Colombo even from Puttalam. On domestic issues—democracy, media freedom, and minority concerns—he stood up and contributed.

¶ 04 He was a progressive person with progressive views. He passed away during the last presidential election period. His family is present in the gallery today. I extend my condolences and pray that he is granted Jannatul Firdaus. Thank you.