The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we now have the opportunity to express condolences on seven former Members who served as people’s representatives. On behalf of the Government, I convey profound sentiments of sympathy.

¶ 02 Among them, I closely associated with Hon. Dixson J. Perera — truly a gentleman and a genuine public representative who lived simply among politicians. Though we were not politically active in the 1980s, as children we saw his work. I recall the by-election in Kesbewa where he contested for the SLFP. Whenever we later met, he spoke to me warmly, addressing me as “Brother.” Though born in Mampe, he later lived in Dehiwala. Even after time had passed, his warmth never faded. People truly loved and respected him — not out of pretence. Few politicians are blessed with such genuine affection. Contrary to the belief that one must be thuggish to succeed in places like Kesbewa, he was gentle and non-violent, yet won people over and delivered what he could for his area.

¶ 03 He faced personal and political pressures and later, before taking up a Deputy High Commissioner posting abroad, I met him at a funeral; he told me, “Brother, I have got an opportunity and am going for some work…”