The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the condolence debate for seven senior former Members.

¶ 02 First, regarding the late Hon. Heenmahattmaya Liyanage: though no longer amongst us, the work he initiated is being carried forward by Hon. Waruna Liyanage, now representing Ratnapura. The late Member served 13 years as a teacher and then, as a leader in Rakwana and Pelmadulla — SLFP strongholds — led those electorates and the district. Though he served only one term in this Parliament, he directly intervened to resolve issues in Ratnapura. The greatest honour we can pay him is to continue his work with strength; Hon. Waruna Liyanage is now serving his second term.

¶ 03 I also represent Kandy District. Before entering Parliament, the late Hon. Lohan Ratwatte began in the Central Provincial Council, and from 2010 he served three terms in Parliament, delivering significantly for Kandy. His father, Hon. Anuruddha Ratwatte, and my father, D.M. Jayaratne, were contemporaries in politics. The late Anuruddha Ratwatte rendered distinguished service to the hill country; Hon. Lohan Ratwatte assumed that responsibility for Kandy, working tirelessly. He always spoke forthrightly, regardless of whether others agreed, and we worked closely to strengthen our political movement in Kandy and nationally, including in 2019. He was unwavering in his decisions, and even amidst criticism stood by his convictions. I also recall his brothers Chanuka and Mahen Ratwatte; Mahen served as Mayor of Kandy and is now the lay custodian (Nilame) of the Sri Vishnu Devale. The family’s contribution to Kandy is significant. We convey condolences to his wife, daughters, and grandson Johan Ratwatte, and note that Johan bears a responsibility to carry forward his grandfather’s service.

¶ 04 Alongside this, I express condolences in respect of the late 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 as these motions are presented today. We extend sympathies to all their families and pray, according to our faith, for their eternal peace.