The Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, today we present condolence motions for seven Members who worked with us and served the people with us.

¶ 02 I remember Hon. Heenmahattmaya Liyanage who entered Parliament with us in 1989. Though he sat in the Opposition and we on the Government side, that never affected our friendship. He began as a teacher and lost his job due to participating in the July 1980 strike for workers’ rights, but as he came from a respected local family it did not deter him. He later chose the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and was elected from Ratnapura District in 1989, and subsequently returned to Parliament multiple times, reflecting his local popularity. He also served as Deputy Minister of Livestock and Infrastructure. He voluntarily retired from politics, not defeated, and later guided his son, Hon. Waruna Liyanage, who now serves well in Ratnapura. We convey our condolences to his family.

¶ 03 The late Hon. Chula Bandara, former MP, was a good friend. From a family devoted to public service, his father served in the historic 1977 Parliament for Panduwasnuwara, and his brother Nimal Bandara served as Chief Minister of the North Western Province. Hon. Chula Bandara twice served in this Parliament and was a capable lawyer who upheld dignity in politics. I express condolences to his wife, Mrs. Rohini Pushpa Bandara, and family.

¶ 04 The late Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, son of Hon. Anuruddha Ratwatte — a distinguished Minister who helped rescue this country from decades of war — was a forthright and energetic MP who stood for his party and leadership. He held several State Minister portfolios including Highways, Gem and Jewellery, and Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation. He passed away young; we extend condolences to his family.

¶ 05 The late Hon. Dixson J. Perera was a learned politician, a graduate of Peradeniya, long associated with the SLFP, served as a member of the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, entered Parliament in 1989, and also served years in the diplomatic service. We express condolences to his family.

¶ 06 The late Hon. (Dr.) Mervyn D. de Silva, elected in 1989 on the National List, held degrees from the University of Colombo and a doctorate from the University of California. We extend condolences to his family.

¶ 07 The late Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri was a people’s politician from the villages, elected from Kegalle at a time when the left had waned nationally, and a key leader in the Lanka Sama Samaja Party. We express our condolences to his family.

¶ 08 The late Hon. Manicavasagar Kanagasabapathy Eelaventhan rendered great service for national harmony; regardless of party, we worked with him. We convey condolences to his beloved wife and children, and pray according to our faiths for peace to all these departed Members.