The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, on this day when Votes of Condolence are presented on several late Hon. Members, I would first like to speak on the late Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage.

¶ 02 He served 13 years as a trained teacher and brought that experience into public service, entering politics in 1982 as SLFP chief organizer for Rakwana and Pelmadulla. Elected thrice to Parliament since 1989, he rendered about 13 years of exemplary service. He also served as Deputy Minister of Estate Infrastructure and Animal Resources and as Chairman of the Cashew Corporation, providing distinguished public service. He played a significant role, together with then Deputy Minister of Education Hon. John Seneviratne, in establishing the Faculty of Science at Sabaragamuwa. A man of noble qualities—humble, sensitive, and people-centered—he rendered unflagging service to Ratnapura. We express our deep sorrow and condolences to Hon. Waruna Liyanage and all family members.

¶ 03 I also wish to speak on the late Hon. R.M.R. Chula Bandara, an erudite professional who studied at St. Thomas’, the University of Peradeniya, the Law College and the University of Colombo, and rendered great public service with high political literacy. I recall the close association my father had with his father, Kalubanda Ranayaka, a great leader who served Panduwasnuwara and the North Western Province. We express our profound sorrow on his sudden demise.

¶ 04 Regarding the late Hon. Dixon J. Perera, educated at Maharagama Science College, a science graduate of Peradeniya with a Diploma in Agriculture from Aquinas—he was a democrat and people’s leader. He served as Chairman of the Colombo District Youth Council of the SLFP, as a member of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, as MP for Colombo District (1989–2001), and as Leader of the Western Provincial Council in 2002. We express our deep sorrow on his passing.

¶ 05 The late Hon. (Dr.) Mervyn D. de Silva studied at St. Sylvester’s, obtained a BSc in Zoology from the University of Ceylon and MS/PhD from the University of California. As a National List MP for the SLFP from 1989 to 1994, he frequently wrote to inform the people on economics, agriculture and politics. We offer our heartfelt condolences and wish him peace.

¶ 06 Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri studied at Ruwanwella and Dehiowita, later serving as a licensed Notary. From school days he engaged in politics with Dr. N.M. Perera and rose through the LSSP ranks. He served 11 years each in Government and Opposition in the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, as Minister in 1999 and 2004, later as Deputy Minister of Agriculture (2013). He also served 25 years as a Dhamma School teacher and led many development initiatives. We express our sorrow on his demise.

¶ 07 Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, educated at Trinity, served on the Central Provincial Council (2009–10), chaired the Kandy District Coordinating Committee (2013–15), and was an MP (2010–2024). He held several State Minister portfolios and was Chief Organizer for Sri Lanka Freedom Party – Pathadumbara. We express our profound sorrow on his untimely passing.

¶ 08 The late Hon. Manicavasagar Kanagasabapathy Eelaventhan served his people with efficiency and dedication, always a people’s person who listened to their grievances and needs. He worked to promote and protect not only civil and political rights but also economic, social, cultural, religious, educational and health rights, including the right to life. We convey our deepest sorrow and condolences to his family.

¶ 09 Thank you.