The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, as we express condolence on seven former Members from various parties, I begin with Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage.

¶ 02 After this Parliament was opened to the public, the late Hon. Liyanage first visited here as a teacher and ordinary citizen. Later, by the people’s will, he represented Ratnapura for thirteen years across three elections. He served as a teacher in several schools, including in difficult areas like Hambantota and Vitarandeniya, sometimes staying on location to teach—an exemplary teacher. A clean, unblemished public servant, he acted as a revolutionary at times: when in Opposition and funds were withheld, he and others protested with a fast in this Chamber and faced brief suspension. In 1989, when MPs stayed at the Savoy/Thaproban hotels, he and others occupied the Chamber demanding proper accommodation for MPs; as a result, the Madiwela Housing Complex was provided. He also played a leading role in establishing the National College of Education in Rakwana.

¶ 03 Though we did not serve together in Parliament, as Chairman of the Smallholder Tea Authority under President Premadasa’s Government, I met him often in Ratnapura at events assisting small tea holders. Today, I work alongside his elder son, Hon. Waruna Liyanage, a modest young MP, while another son, Damitha Mahesh Liyanage, is a businessman; his daughter, Nushari Nirmitha Liyanage, completes a fine family. I extend condolences to Mrs. Sirima Indrani and to Hon. Waruna Liyanage and the family.

¶ 04 Another distinguished figure is the late Hon. Dixon J. Perera, mainly of the SLFP though affiliated with the UNP for a while—a leader with genuine devotion to country, nation and religion. From young days he was active in politics, a standout debater at Maharagama Science College and a graduate of Peradeniya. Unlike the stereotype of politicians, he came from a wealthy landowning family yet spent his own resources for politics and party, with no stain of corruption, acting with integrity and sacrificing much for politics. During the era when MPs stayed at the Savoy, his father’s “Kasel” Hotel in Kompannaveediya provided meals to fellow MPs, reflecting his friendship with all. He acted by his conscience, even crossing the floor when necessary, and opposed the abolition of the CWE despite disciplinary inquiries. He worked closely with Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe. He was an excellent orator; as a young candidate in Kesbewa he was popular and charming, always greeting warmly. He also served as First Secretary in Australia and as Ambassador to Nepal. I convey condolences to his wife, Mrs. Nalini Abeydeera Jayawickrama Perera, his son Sudheera and daughter Chathura Jananika.

¶ 05 The late Hon. R.M.R. Chula Bandara represented Kurunegala. Educated at St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, the University of Peradeniya and Law College, he became an Attorney-at-Law. The eldest among ten siblings (six sisters, four brothers), he led his family; his father, Kalubanda Ratnayake, also served in Parliament, famously organizing the state “vap magul” harvest festival in Panduwasnuwara with President J.R. Jayewardene, Prime Minister Premadasa and Minister E.L. Senanayake attending, earning the moniker “King of Panduwasnuwara.” Hon. Chula Bandara chaired the Law Students’ Union at Law College; contemporaries included Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also taught chemistry tuition classes in Bambalapitiya and later served as Legal Manager at a private bank. Another family member, Nimal Bandara, later served as Chief Minister of the North Western Province. We extend condolences to Mrs. Pushpa Bandara, daughters Prabodhini and Thulani, and son Sidath Bandara.

¶ 06 On the late Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, who passed away at 57: a distinguished Trinity College alumnus and rugby player, later a company director, and following the demise of Anuruddha Ratwatte, he held seven State portfolios over time—Highways, Gems and Jewellery, Prison Management and Rehabilitation of Prisoners, Ports and Shipping, Urban Development, and Plantation and Mahaweli Development. He respected leadership and elders; I recall how he would stand aside for President Mahinda Rajapaksa to be seated and escort him, even to the canteen, showing deference. We extend condolences to his wife, children and family.

¶ 07 The late Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri, former Deputy Minister, was a prominent figure of the LSSP from his school days under Dr. N.M. Perera, rising through district and national responsibilities, contesting the first Provincial Council elections in 1988 during a perilous period and serving 22 years in the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, both in Government and Opposition, as Minister and as Leader of the Council. Elected to Parliament in 2010, he served in Government (including as Deputy Minister of Agriculture), then in Opposition post-2015, continuing as a Notary and serving as a Dhamma School teacher for 25 years. He led numerous local development initiatives, including roads, bridges, and the N.M. Perera Memorial Conference Hall in Ruwanwella. We extend our condolences to his wife and to his daughter, Wathsala Janadari Padmasiri, a former Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councillor and a graduate in Criminology.

¶ 08 The late Hon. (Dr.) Mervyn D. de Silva served as National List MP (1989–1994) for the SLFP. An alumnus of St. Sylvester’s and St. Joseph’s, with BSc from the University of Ceylon and MS/PhD from the University of California, he was a learned Member who used his knowledge to serve the nation, writing extensively in newspapers and authoring books on economic development, agriculture, science and political science, as well as providing research and advisory services in the agriculture sector. We convey condolences to his family.

¶ 09 Finally, the late Hon. Manicavasagar Kanagasabapathy Eelaventhan studied at St. John’s College, Jaffna and Wesley College, Colombo. His father was a Station Master. Before politics, he led the Tamil Translation Division in the Economic Research Department of the Central Bank. He later served as President of the Colombo branch of the TULF. After going to India in 1983, he returned to Sri Lanka in 2000 and came to Parliament via the National List in 2004. In 2007, due to a three-month stay abroad without approved leave, his seat was vacated. In our interactions, he was always cordial and smiling—a simple personality. We express our condolences to his family.

¶ 10 We also convey condolences regarding all other Hon. Members included in today’s Motions of Condolence and request that these sentiments be conveyed to their families. May they all attain peace.