Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this Vote of Condolence.

¶ 02 The late Rukman Senanayake belonged to the family that laboured for the creation of the UNP and for our country’s independence. Since 1973, he served in this Parliament for many years and held ministerial responsibilities, managing his ministries with administrative skill for the national interest. I offer deep condolences to his family and supporters.

¶ 03 The late Sirinal de Mel entered Parliament via the National List and served a short term, yet distinguished himself as a good parliamentarian. His loss is a loss to the country. My deep condolences to his family and supporters.

¶ 04 The late Dr. I. M. Ilyas was a renowned politician and a good man, a good physician, from Puttalam and of national standing. He had a fighting spirit—whenever injustice befell people, be it Iraq, Palestine, Iran or elsewhere, he fearlessly led protests, fearing none but Allah. From the Puttalam waste-dumping protests to many other struggles, he stood with the people. As a presidential candidate too, he spoke of what was good for the country. When Muslims were expelled from the North in 1990, he rendered immense service to them in Puttalam. He and his wife provided free medical care and spent their own money to support the poor.

¶ 05 Working with the SLMC and our late leader Ashraff, he helped resettle displaced people in their own districts. Because of his service to the displaced from Jaffna who were in Puttalam camps, they elected him as an MP for Jaffna while he lived in Puttalam. He raised his voice here against injustices to minorities and internationally against oppression.

¶ 06 In education and health in Puttalam, he contributed greatly. He championed the salt industry in Puttalam, securing fair prices and development. As head of the Iran–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association, he strengthened cultural and economic ties between Iran and Sri Lanka. His passing is a great loss to his family, the people of Puttalam, and the country. His daughter Jameena, son Dr. Indikaab, and the family continue his service. I also thank Dr. Bahaman Moazami Goodarzi of the Embassy of Iran, who is present in the gallery. May Allah grant Dr. Ilyas Jannatul Firdaus. Thank you.