The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, on behalf of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and personally, I express deep sorrow at the passing of four former MPs: Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira, Hon. Mavai S. Senathirajah, Hon. Donald Dissanayake, and Hon. J. R. P. Suriyapperuma.

¶ 02 Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira was a learned and capable young MP from a revolutionary movement, who had just begun to discharge his duties with distinction when he was taken from us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

¶ 03 Hon. Donald Dissanayake, a UNP MP from Gampaha, rendered exceptional service to the country and district and applied his considerable personal abilities to national development. We convey our sympathies to his family.

¶ 04 Hon. J. R. P. Suriyapperuma was a distinctive figure—an educator who taught at Royal College, including future leaders, and who served several times as General Secretary of the SLFP. Between 2010 and 2015 we served together in this House on opposite sides but in regular engagement. His knowledge, historical insight, and oratory have left a lasting mark.

¶ 05 I also wish to reflect on the late Hon. Mavai S. Senathirajah. He started political work with the Democratic Liberation Organization, later led the TNA and ITAK, and served continuously in Parliament from 2001 to 2024. He stood out everywhere by strength of character and as a Sri Lankan leader who rejected division and valued Sri Lankan identity, even as he fought for his people’s rights under very difficult conditions—between violent extremism on one side and democratic governance on the other. He protected his constituents and contributed to strengthening democracy.

¶ 06 I recall, as Deputy Minister of Power and Energy in 2017–2018, implementing the “Gamata Eliya” programme to achieve 100% electrification. Despite statistics, there were households—especially in the North and East and even in rural Kalutara—without electricity connections due to the cost of last-mile lines and internal wiring. We arranged instalment payments for internal wiring and waived grid-connection fees. Some northern leaders initially hesitated, but after I discussed with Hon. Mavai Senathirajah, he undertook to brief grassroots leaders and fellow MPs; thereafter Jaffna proceeded, and ultimately 100% household electrification was achieved. Years later, he told me with satisfaction that northern households had electricity and had completed payments.

¶ 07 He consistently spoke for justice—especially the rights of detainees held under the PTA without charge—and called for due process. Remembering such leaders is vital when we assess the present. In that spirit, I must register concern: on 02 May 2025, in case 668/69/2018 at the Anuradhapura High Court, an individual was convicted under section 386 of the Penal Code; on 12 May 2025, Vesak Poya day, a presidential pardon was granted to a convicted prisoner. The Supreme Court has underscored that constitutional procedures must be followed in granting pardons. It is regrettable if these standards are not observed. Leaders like the late Mavai S. Senathirajah, who championed justice without racial or religious bias, remind us that justice must prevail.

¶ 08 May such leaders multiply. Thank you.