The Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 As we discuss today the passing of Hon. Maavai S. Senathirajah, Hon. Donald Dissanayake, Hon. J.R.P. Suriya Peruma, and our beloved colleague from Kegalle, Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayawira—whom I now represent in Parliament—I speak with deep emotion and pain.

¶ 03 Kosala was the youngest MP of the 10th Parliament. Though two months have passed since his death, people still speak of him everywhere. Even here, ministers and MPs ask after him. How did someone so young become so renowned?

¶ 04 He lived in a remote village with few facilities; his parents and brothers have struggled for work. From their meager means he studied and entered university amidst national economic turmoil. At university he was a luminous student, as attested by his conduct and his friends.

¶ 05 He did not pause after university; he immediately joined our work in Kegalle. From 2015 to 2017 we faced great difficulties. In his electorate—comprised of three divisional secretariats, known as the “three Korales”—he assumed leadership at a challenging time. Many had been misled by false promises, but this energetic young leader took steps to build the National People’s Power. He faced many issues, including efforts to replace tea and rubber with commercial crops like date palms, which harmed the people. He stood with them, visiting every corner.

¶ 06 Human–wildlife conflict—with elephants, wild boar, and leopards—grievously affected lives, and while many leaders were silent, Kosala listened and intervened everywhere—house to house, place to place.

¶ 07 During the COVID-19 pandemic, with no facilities for the poor, he helped reactivate a closed ward at Telijjawila Hospital, gathering our 12 local members, coordinating with our district leadership, and dedicating our salaries to equip it—braving fear. That was Kosala.

¶ 08 In the teachers’ struggle—our district has the largest education zone with 218 schools—he visited over 150 schools, giving leadership and resolving crises. Even today I receive calls about matters he handled. His environment forged him into a leader and a tireless fighter. As was said earlier, he hoped and labored for a government that would build with the people a society where they could breathe with relief.

¶ 09 He chaired three divisional coordinating committees, relentlessly pushing development. He dreamt of uplifting livelihoods, starting enterprises, protecting heritage and environment, and contributing to the national economy from the district. With irrepressible courage he chased those dreams, but sadly, he neglected his own health. We often reminded him, but he would smile and say, “No, brother, I’m fine. Let’s work.” Early mornings he would arrive with plans. We have lost a bright young leader and a shining future.

¶ 10 I will not take more time. Many hoped in him; many accepted his leadership; he guided our district’s youth. All of them now weep. To his parents and siblings, I express my and my party’s condolences. We pledge to make real the dream he saw for the youth and for our country. I now remain silent. Thank you.