The Hon. Waruna Liyanage

¶ 01 I thank the Hon. Presiding Member for granting me this opportunity.

¶ 02 Today condolence motions are presented for seven former MPs: Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, my father 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.

¶ 03 About twenty-three Members spoke today. I wish to say a few words about Hon. Lohan Ratwatte. This is my third term in Parliament, and he did politics with me during two of those. Representing Kandy, he did much for his people. I recall we both attended a youth summit in South Africa. When I was in the SLFP, we worked together as comrades. He was also a friend. He was a decisive, loyal leader who worked closely with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to build a successful political life. His loss is a great blow to the SLPP, his family, and the people of Kandy. I express my and my family’s condolences to his family.

¶ 04 Hon. Y.G. Padmasiri worked with me in 2010 as a Provincial Minister and did much, also as Deputy Minister of Agriculture after entering Parliament. My father told me how he worked at that time: in the Rakwana electorate, the Ranwala tank sluice was breaking; as Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Padmasiri ensured it was repaired and did not let the water be diverted away, providing a lasting benefit to the people. Though elected from Kegalle, he developed a tank in Ratnapura. At that time, Rs. 1.5 million was a large sum—perhaps about Rs. 50 million today—and thanks to him that tank serves people well. He worked humbly and diligently in left politics, close to Dr. N.M. Perera and the People’s United Front. He served to the utmost in the Thunkorala area and guided his only daughter, our Hon. Vathsala Janadari, to the Provincial Council to continue service. I extend condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 05 My father worked alongside other leaders as well. Hon. Dixon J. Perera, representing the SLFP, served focusing on Kesbewa and Colombo District, rendering significant service. I offer condolences to his family.

¶ 06 All of these leaders worked greatly for society along with my father: Hon. Merwyn D. de Silva, Hon. Chula Bandara, and Hon. Kanagasabapathy Ilanchelvendhan. I, together with my family, express condolences on their passing.

¶ 07 I am happy to have had the chance to speak of my father. In truth, the parliamentary staff often suggested bringing his condolence motion, but I refrained. However, last month, during a similar debate in this House, listening to the speeches made me realize the significance. So, after a year and seven days since his passing, I included his name in this condolence motion. Many in Parliament had earlier urged me to bring it, but I declined because my father disliked being spoken of—he was a quiet leader who worked without seeking fame.

¶ 08 When I first contested the Pradeshiya Sabha, it was at the request of the late Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi, former Minister and father of Pavithra Wanniarachchi. He also brought my father into politics. My father attended my first council inauguration, but never again intervened in my politics, even during two terms in the Provincial Council. When I first entered Parliament, he came on the first day only; afterwards though I won two more times, he never came again. He never sought publicity or to push his name forward. He worked quietly. As Hon. Gayanthe Karunathilaka and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition noted, he did much parliamentary work. As a party man, he was with the SLFP, inspired by Prime Minister Bandaranaike’s policies, and did significant work. He was also close to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa from his days as a teacher at Witarandeniya School, and that relationship enabled much service to the people of Rakwana.

¶ 09 At my father’s funeral, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa participated. I thank him. Our Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa also attended. Government MPs of Ratnapura, including those who were candidates in that election—our Minister Sunil Senevi among them—attended. Former Kegalle MP Dushmantha Mithrapala also attended. Many senior Members joined. Some could not, due to the election; I have no regret. Today, about twenty-three Members spoke on this motion, including our Leader of the Opposition, former Minister Gayanthe Karunathilaka, our Party General Secretary, and Government Chief Organizer Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa. I thank them all, and I thank you for granting me this opportunity.