The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, today we take up condolence motions regarding the demise of seven former Members who represented this august House: the late Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, Hon. Heenmahattmaya Liyanage, Hon. Dixson J. Perera, Hon. (Dr.) Mervyn D. de Silva, Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri, Hon. R.M.R. Chula Bandara and Hon. Manicavasagar Kanagasabapathy Eelaventhan. At the outset, I pray that all of them attain supreme bliss of Nibbana, and that, according to their respective faiths, their souls find peace. On behalf of the Government, I also convey condolences to their families — spouses, children and relatives.

¶ 02 First, I wish to briefly reflect on the late former MP Hon. R.M.R. Chula Bandara who represented Kurunegala District. He represented the United National Party in this House from 1977 to 1988. Born in 1949 in Kurunegala to R.M. Kalubanda Ratnayake and C.M. Chandrasekara, he studied at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, then at the University of Peradeniya where he graduated in science. He began his career as a teacher in chemistry and physics, later entered the Sri Lanka Law College, qualified as an attorney-at-law and practised.

¶ 03 He first entered Parliament in 1989 and again in 1998. Subsequently, stepping back from active politics, he served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Poland from 2003 to 2005. In 1979 he married Mrs. W.M. Rohini Pushpa Wijerathna, a professional accountant, and was father to two daughters and a son. Notably, he hailed from a political family — his father was a Member of Parliament, one brother served as Chief Minister of the North Western Province, and another brother served in the Sri Lanka Army and retired as a Major General.

¶ 04 As an MP, Hon. Chula Bandara rendered a significant service to his district and, as Ambassador, served Sri Lankans in Poland with dedication. He passed away on 22 December 2024 at the age of 75. His loss is felt by the people of Kurunegala. On behalf of the Government benches, I wish him Nibbana and extend condolences to his beloved wife, children and all relatives.

¶ 05 Thank you.