The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, on this occasion of condolence for seven former MPs who served our people, I first wish to speak about the late Hon. Manicavasagar Kanagasabapathy Eelaventhan, who served over three years in this Parliament representing the North, standing for his people and his beliefs. On behalf of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, I convey condolences to his family and wish him peace.

¶ 02 I also wish to speak about the late Hon. R.M.R. Chula Bandara, who represented the UNP and served three terms since 1989, rendering great service to his party and area. On behalf of the SLPP, I extend condolences to his family and wish him peace.

¶ 03 Further, about the late Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri, with whom I had the opportunity to engage in politics. Representing Ruwanwella in Kegalle, he rendered great service to his district and to the Left movement. His daughter, Wathsala Janadari Padmasiri, a former Provincial Councillor, continues on that path. We convey our condolences to his family and wish him peace.

¶ 04 I also wish to speak about the late Hon. (Dr.) Mervyn D. de Silva, a scholar and intelligent politician who served as an SLFP National List MP (1989–1994). On behalf of the SLPP, I extend condolences and wish him peace.

¶ 05 Regarding the late Hon. Dixon J. Perera, he was very close to our family, having begun his political journey alongside my father. Regardless of later affiliations, he remained close with our political colleagues and continued serving his constituents. His family remains close to ours and to President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family to this day. We wish him peace and share our condolences with his family.

¶ 06 Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage, father of our colleague Hon. Waruna Liyanage, worked closely with my father and rendered great service to the people of Ratnapura with unwavering commitment. The people’s trust in him is affirmed as Hon. Waruna Liyanage now safeguards that legacy. We extend our condolences and wish him peace.

¶ 07 Hon. Lohan Ratwatte and I entered politics and Parliament in the same era. He had earlier rendered notable service through the Provincial Council in Kandy and later held several State portfolios, serving the people of Kandy. He was also a talented rugby player for Trinity. He spoke his mind frankly and fearlessly, sometimes being misunderstood, but he always safeguarded the camp he believed in. Though he left us at a relatively young age, he served the people diligently. On behalf of the SLPP and myself, I convey condolences to his wife, children, and family, and wish him peace.