The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, on this occasion when condolence motions have been moved regarding the demise of former Members of Parliament Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage, Hon. Dixon J. Perera, Hon. Dr. Merwyn D. de Silva, Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri, Hon. R.M.R. Chula Bandara and Hon. Manikkavasagar Kanagasabapathy Ilanchelvendhan, I first express my deepest condolences to the families of all seven of these Hon. former Members.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, first I wish to speak about Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage. He served for a long period as a teacher. Thereafter, following the loss of his job due to the well-known 1980 general strike, he entered active politics. Focusing on the Ratnapura District, especially the Pelmadulla area, he engaged in politics and represented the district in Parliament, and as a Deputy Minister rendered great service both to Ratnapura and to the whole country. His politics was exemplary. As a teacher with a leftist orientation, he stood out among other politicians. Although we were not in his political camp then, we knew he earned a great reputation as an exemplary MP worthy of representing Parliament. Married to Sirima Indrani, he raised three children who have contributed to our country: our friend and current MP Waruna Liyanage, as well as Damitha Mahesh Liyanage and Thushari Nirmitha Liyanage. Having completed his parliamentary service, he concluded his life’s journey having done the maximum service one can render to village and country as a son of Sri Lanka.

¶ 03 Today we understand well the value of such exemplary political figures, and how rare they have become. I pray that the late Hon. Deputy Minister Heenmahatmaya Liyanage attains the bliss of Nibbana, and I wish that our dear friend, today’s MP Waruna Liyanage of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, will be blessed to continue, with dignity, the important parliamentary service his father rendered.

¶ 04 Next, I wish to speak about Hon. Dr. Merwyn D. de Silva. With the 1978 Constitution, the National List was created to bring into the legislature scholars and eminent persons who might not otherwise contest elections. To serve that intent, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party appointed Hon. Dr. Merwyn D. de Silva as a National List MP. He served for nearly five years, participating with dignity in Parliament and contributing to law-making. As a National List MP, he fulfilled his party’s expectation of service to the nation: an intellectual, a senior media professional, and a widely respected Member across party lines. He will remain in our memory.

¶ 05 Next, about the late Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri. He entered this Parliament with me in 2010. Before that, he had represented the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council for 22 years. A well-known notary in the Ruwanwella area, he rendered responsible service, inspired by the Lanka Sama Samaja Party and by working with Dr. N.M. Perera. He acted as a significant figure in left-wing politics of our time. In this House he and I formed a friendship despite the age difference. Though he was on the Government benches and we were in the Opposition, we met daily, spoke about family and children. He spoke with affection about his daughter, Hon. Vathsala Janadari, her education and future. I recall these conversations well. I extend our love and sympathy to her and the entire family at this time. We remember Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri as a learned, decent, non-violent politician who rendered the kind of politics the country needs.

¶ 06 Hon. Presiding Member, the late Hon. R.M.R. Chula Bandara began as a State Counsel and later practiced law privately based in Kurunegala, performing with distinction across the country. A very capable lawyer, he represented the United National Party for a considerable period in this legislature, using his skills on behalf of his convictions, and was a respected and learned MP. He also served as a diplomat. I met him many times in the course of his legal practice while I was an MP and he was then a private practitioner. We discussed politics, the UNP, the country’s political history and what should be done in future. He advised and guided me; I remember it well. I extend love and respect to all members of his family. He was a learned, dignified MP suited to Parliament and to the responsibilities of law-making.

¶ 07 Likewise, we fondly remember the late Hon. Manikkavasagar Kanagasabapathy Ilanchelvendhan, who after service at the Central Bank entered Parliament representing the ITAK during a very difficult period of politics in the North amidst terrorism. We express our deep condolences on his passing as well.

¶ 08 Hon. Presiding Member, at a similar condolence motion three months ago, I addressed the rule of law and the commitment of MPs who stood for it, and the duty of this Parliament to uphold it. You may recall that on that day I highlighted a matter: the misuse of Presidential pardons to release prisoners from jail. Based on the disclosures I made, the Police investigated, and the Commissioner General of Prisons was arrested and interdicted. Yet, though three months have now passed since that debate, not a single beneficiary of those wrongful pardons has been arrested, nor are there any proper judicial investigations. Despite the gravity of the abuse of Presidential clemency and the serious concerns it raises about the rule of law, there are no cases against the implicated officials, nor any transparent inquiries, nor even disclosure of the names of the prisoners released. The entire story has been buried. This is a very regrettable situation. The late Members we recall today dedicated themselves to confirm the rule of law. I raised these issues then, and again today I must note that under a new administration there is still no change. Thank you very much.