Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity. Today we move Votes of Condolence for Hon. Rukman Senanayake (former Minister), and former MPs Hon. A. A. Reginald Perera, Hon. Sirinal de Mel, and Hon. (Dr.) I. M. Ilyas. I especially wish to speak about Hon. Dr. Ilyas, as he is connected to my Puttalam District and electorate.

¶ 02 First, on Hon. Rukman Senanayake: he was a highly respected politician from a renowned political family—the line of D. S. and Dudley Senanayake—whose contributions in agriculture, irrigation, roads, and the economy have benefitted our people to this day. Had he continued further in politics, many more changes would have come to this country, I believe. He strove greatly, and although political journeys involve friction, we cannot always judge the dynamics of parties and people. I extend condolences to his family.

¶ 03 On Hon. Reginald Perera: I associated closely with him in Wattala, learning from him about organizing and engaging with people. He had a rich history and broad connections and rendered service in many places. I extend condolences to his family and respectfully remember his service.

¶ 04 On Hon. Sirinal de Mel: as JSS General Secretary, he was a firm and decisive leader, working for workers’ rights, their future, and the development of their families—standing upright for what was right, even pressing the party leadership when necessary. His son, now our organizer, can learn much from his father. We extend condolences and honour his service to the nation.

¶ 05 On Hon. (Dr.) I. M. Ilyas: he began his political journey around 1978–79 amidst district council organizing committees, then was elected to the first North Western Provincial Council in 1988—during a difficult, violent time—and to Parliament in 1994. As Hon. Alawathuwala said, despite residing in Puttalam, many votes for his parliamentary election came from people of Jaffna displaced by war and living around Puttalam—an extraordinary message about that era. He represented them not symbolically but in deed, working for their rights, livelihoods, children’s education, and rebuilding the economic lives of those who had fallen on hard times—both here in Parliament and outside—taking leadership to make needed decisions.

¶ 06 He was also a presidential candidate when he passed away during the last presidential election—a sign of his unflagging commitment to politics, social service, and leadership. He had strong ties with Iran; during his time in Parliament, he chaired the Iran–Sri Lanka Friendship Association. We thank Dr. I. Moazami Goodarzi, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, for attending today’s proceedings. Through that friendship, he secured significant assistance for our area—housing, roads, and especially education support to schools. For this leadership and service, we are grateful.