The Hon. Upul Kithsiri

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today Members from both Government and Opposition have joined to express condolences on the passing of seven former people’s representatives of this Parliament.

¶ 02 I wish to speak about Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage of Ratnapura District. He lost his job due to the 1980 strike, then chose the SLFP in 1982, and was elected to Parliament in 1989, and again in 1994, 2000 and 2010. Unlike others whose records are detailed, there is little written of him, but we know he helped many during the state repression of 1988–1989. He quietly helped Members of the current Parliament when needed. He was humble. Even when other groups were in power, he worked with them to serve the village and area. After his parliamentary tenure, he lived a simple life among youth and friends. He was a respectful, humble MP who set an example.

¶ 03 Our colleague in the Opposition, Hon. Waruna Liyanage, is his son. Seeing the honour accorded today through these condolence motions is itself an honour to Hon. Waruna Liyanage.

¶ 04 In politics, people speak of good and bad; that is the nature of public life. But after leaders depart, people speak of their virtues and the value of their service to society. Regardless of party or ideology, ultimately many speak of the good they did. The seven late Hon. Members we commemorate today are seen by many in society as exemplary for their ideals and sacrifices. That is, I think, what we should gain from public life: lasting appreciation for contributions to people and country. We see each of these as characters from whom society can take example.

¶ 05 We express the condolences of this august Parliament to the family of the late Hon. Heenmahatmaya Liyanage—his beloved wife, our friend Hon. Waruna Liyanage, and all relatives.

¶ 06 Likewise, we pay our respects and offer condolences on the passing of Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, 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. Thank you.