Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we consider condolence motions for five former Members: Hon. P. Dayaratna, Hon. Gamini Lokuge, Hon. Indradasa Hettiarachchi, Hon. M.H. Sehu Iszadeen, and Hon. W.B. Ranatunga.

¶ 02 First, I extend condolences regarding Hon. P. Dayaratna. Educated at village schools and at Ananda College, he became an electrical engineer, further trained in the UK, and worked at the Gal Oya development and the CEB. He first contested from Ampara for the UNP in 1970 and, though defeated, entered Parliament in 1977 under President J.R. Jayewardene.

¶ 03 Ampara is a difficult district; Hon. Dayaratna became a beacon there, serving as Deputy Minister and later Minister, and providing essential infrastructure in education and health, among other sectors. When I first entered Parliament in 1994 as an Opposition MP, he advised and guided us. He served people far from his birthplace, which I consider a blessing both for him and for Ampara. We pray he attains Nibbana and convey condolences to his family.

¶ 04 Hon. Gamini Lokuge entered politics with the UNP in the 1960s through trade unions, strongly supporting the 1977 government. He organized Kesbewa and won the by-election in 1983, later becoming a State Minister, and then Cabinet Minister in portfolios including Tourism and Sports. From 1994–2000, I knew him as a practical politician who sought solutions. I recall visiting his home in Kesbewa as Sports Minister — he continuously met people and resolved their issues. In 2006, he joined President Mahinda Rajapaksa and stayed steadfast through challenges, serving both his constituents and the nation. I extend condolences to his daughters Gayani and Darshi Jayatrika, and pray he attains eternal peace.

¶ 05 Hon. Indradasa Hettiarachchi represented Horana in Kalutara District. Educated at Nalanda College, he worked as a planter and estate superintendent, as did his father. At one point, about 1,800 acres of family lands became vested in the State — a fact recorded during his last rites. He contributed foreign exchange to the country through plantation work, then entered local government, became Gam Sabha member and chairman, and in 1977, at President J.R. Jayewardene’s request, contested and won from Horana. He served as Minister for Coconut Development and Diversification and as District Minister, developing schools and hospitals and essential infrastructure in Kalutara and Horana. A devout Buddhist, he supported the Sasana, including through the Kalutara Bodhi Trust, and served society and religion with humility. Living to the age of 96, he led model village programmes; I remember visiting his home with my father. We pray he attains Nibbana and convey condolences to his family.

¶ 06 Regarding Hon. M.H. Sehu Iszadeen: educated at Zahira and at Law College, he became an Attorney-at-Law, entered the North-Eastern Provincial Council as Opposition Leader, and in 1994 entered Parliament. He later served as SLMC Chairman, as Deputy/Non-Cabinet Minister, and rendered good service with humility. I convey condolences to his family.

¶ 07 Finally, Hon. Wijayasundara Bandara Ranatunga: educated initially in his village and then in Kandy, he worked as a teacher before entering politics, serving Nuwara Eliya District with Hon. Gamini Dissanayake. He at one time contested independently, polling well, and entered Parliament in 1989. He worked closely with Gamini Dissanayake for the people of Nuwara Eliya. I extend condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana.