The Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we remember the unexpected passing of a young MP and several other public representatives who served this Parliament.

¶ 02 Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira passed away at 38—an age of full vigor. He left a void that cannot be filled. Speaking of a young parliamentarian who could have contributed greatly, we are unfortunate to do so in this House during our lifetimes.

¶ 03 You know, Hon. Presiding Member, choosing the left path in certain periods was itself a challenge—especially when politics could be used to gather personal wealth and power. Choosing left politics, whether in the LSSP or the Communist Party, was a sacrifice; even more so choosing the JVP/NPP decades ago, when victories were far from sight. To devote one’s life to duty for society under such uncertainty shows immense dedication and resolve. Kosala was such a human being—compassionate beyond measure.

¶ 04 There is a saying: live so that society feels your presence. Kosala lived so. At university, he chaired the main student union, advocating students’ causes and free education. He lived so that he was felt.

¶ 05 Returning to Kegalle, a district with a sensitive ecosystem, he confronted environmental degradation head-on—becoming an environmental advocate. He fought for estate workers, including the campaign to raise the daily wage to Rs. 1,000, and against corruption and malpractice in local bodies—living tangibly as a people’s representative.

¶ 06 As a member of COPE for about five months, he actively strove to correct massive losses and frauds in public finance. Again, he lived so that he was felt.

¶ 07 Yesterday was World Environment Day, marked in Kegalle. We resolved to declare five forest systems as protected areas and to establish a sanctuary along the Kithul Ella stream segment between Rabbidigala and Hapugoda for the endemic fish “Bandula pethiya,” found only in Sri Lanka and only in that stream. Environmentalists said Kosala had dreamt of this. He had told a campaigner, “Wait a little. When our government comes, we will make your struggle a reality—we will create a sanctuary for the Bandula pethiya.” He never abandoned anyone who reached out—be it an estate Tamil worker at his public day, an environmentalist, or any citizen. He was extraordinarily empathetic.

¶ 08 In the lifespan of the universe, our human life is but a moment. The question is how we use that brief life for the human collective—to make the world better. In an ultra-individualistic society, those who think thus are few. Kosala was one of those few. At the time of his passing, he was leading three divisional secretariats—Ruwanwella, Dehiovita, and Deraniyagala. He left a great void.

¶ 09 In sum, within his short life he added much to Sri Lankan society—working, striving, thinking of the common good more than himself. His name will not be forgotten. We will remember his name, conduct, deeds, and smile until our last day. Farewell, dear comrade.

¶ 10 Thank you.