The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we express condolences on the passing of 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.

¶ 02 First I wish to speak of Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage of Ratnapura District, father of our colleague Hon. Waruna Liyanage. He rendered exemplary service to Ratnapura as a parliamentary representative. To continue his social service to Ratnapura, a virtuous son was presented—first to the Provincial Council, and now to Parliament for the third time—to serve the people. We think this is a good opportunity he provided to the people of Ratnapura. We express our deep sympathy to Hon. Waruna Liyanage and his family and the people of Ratnapura, and we pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 03 Hon. Chula Bandara entered Parliament from Panduwasnuwara in Kurunegala District. His father too served as an MP under President J.R. Jayewardene. Chula Bandara first served as a lecturer and then as a lawyer, and later as a UNP MP for Kurunegala, rendering great service. In his native and difficult area of Panduwasnuwara, he made many sacrifices, setting aside his profession, to uplift the people’s lives. While he practiced as a capable lawyer, he also became a public representative and served widely. His brother Nimal Bandara also served as Chief Minister of the North Western Province. Following his father’s example, Chula Bandara served Kurunegala significantly. I appreciate his service and, extending condolences to his relatives and the people of Kurunegala, I pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 04 Hon. Lohan Ratwatte represented Kandy District as an MP and as a Deputy Minister during the period we too were in Parliament. We express our condolences to his family.

¶ 05 Regarding Hon. Dixon J. Perera, he served both as MP and as a Deputy Minister representing Colombo District, rendering significant service. We offer condolences to his family and the people of Colombo, praying he attains Nibbana.

¶ 06 Next, the late Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri also served well both as MP and as a Deputy Minister. We extend our condolences to his family.

¶ 07 Likewise, we express condolences on the passing of Hon. Manikkavasagar Kanagasabapathy Ilanchelvendhan, extending sympathies to all the families of the Members in today’s condolence motions.

¶ 08 Thank you.

¶ 09 [4.12 p.m.]