Hon. Mano Ganesan

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Today, we pay tribute to our departed colleagues who led through this august House and rendered great service to the nation: the late Rukman Senanayake, A. A. Reginald Perera, Sirinal de Mel, and Dr. I. M. Ilyas.

¶ 02 Rukman Senanayake, from a renowned family, nevertheless went beyond lineage and engaged in politics in his own right. He began as a courageous young politician during a period of state repression and arbitrariness at the national level. In 1973, from the Dedigama by-election, he rose as a star of Sabaragamuwa. Though he is no longer with us, I extend condolences to his family and supporters present in the gallery and pray according to our traditions for his soul to find peace.

¶ 03 Reginald Perera was a prominent political activist in Gampaha and the Western Province. Elected in 1989, he served well and made his name regionally and nationally. I offer condolences to his family and friends.

¶ 04 Dr. I. M. Ilyas, elected from Jaffna in 1994, was widely respected. Among Tamil-speaking people of the North, he symbolized unity at a time of injustice to Muslims. Rather than acting with bitterness, he worked to rebuild unity and harmony. We remember him and pray, as per his faith, for his place in heaven. Condolences to his family and friends.

¶ 05 Sirinal de Mel was a renowned trade unionist who entered Parliament in 2000, leaving a strong imprint through his union work. These four great men led honourably and served the people. On behalf of the Tamil Progressive Alliance, I pay respects. Thank you.