Hon. R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we speak about five departed Members who rendered great service, and I had the privilege to serve with them in this House.

¶ 02 Hon. P. Dayaratna was the senior-most politician — nearly 38 years in Parliament — as Minister, Deputy Minister, District Minister and as an MP. From a respected family in Waithara, Kalutara, educated at Ananda, he studied engineering in the UK in the 1960s and returned to serve as an engineer at the Gal Oya Development Board. Popular and capable, UNP leaders in Ampara urged him to contest. Though defeated in 1970, he entered Parliament in 1977.

¶ 03 Ampara–Digamadulla then was among the most difficult districts — lacking highways, electricity, adequate schools and hospitals. Over 38 years, as Minister of Power, Minister of Health, and Minister of Irrigation and Mahaweli Development, he transformed the district: took electricity to every village, started 101 schools, developed the Kalgam Oya reservoir, and invested billions to rehabilitate the Gal Oya scheme. He chaired the Deeghavapi restoration and led the Japan–Sri Lanka Peace Pagoda project, and drove village development. He was my political teacher and a relative — an upright, dedicated leader who fulfilled his duties and lived a full life. We pray he attains Nibbana and convey condolences to his wife Deepthika Dayaratna, sons Rajika and Asanka, daughter Nilesha, and all family.

¶ 04 Hon. Gamini Lokuge served 41 years in Parliament. Beginning as a UNP youth, he was close to President J.R. Jayewardene, serving as Executive Director at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation after 1977. Elected in the 1983 by-election, he served until the last Parliament. He lived among the people — meeting dozens every morning before official duties — and rose from a modest family; his father was a bus proprietor. In 1977, when the major union movements leaned left, he built the UNP’s largest union movement, becoming a banner-bearer of UNP trade unionism. In 2001, as Minister of Tourism, I served under him as Deputy Minister; he was a strong leader and colleague. He helped protect this Chamber during a notorious incident, and as Chair of the Public Petitions Committee, he ensured fairness to petitioners. I pray for his eternal peace and convey condolences to his daughters Gayani and Darshi Jayatrika.

¶ 05 Regarding Hon. Indradasa Hettiarachchi: he entered Parliament with the 1977 landslide. From a well-established family, he had lands — some 1,800 (others say 2,000) acres — that were vested in the State. He began politics young as Gam Sabha chairman, and after 1977 served as Deputy Minister of Shipping and Ports, Minister of Coconut Development and Diversification, and District Minister. He established the largest garment factory in the South in his constituency, and was skilful, honest and humble. We pray he attains Nibbana and convey condolences to his children Dasarath and Malkaanti and Prof. Manthinda and family.

¶ 06 Hon. W.B. Ranatunga: we entered Parliament together in 1989 as young MPs. From a political family, following D.B. Ranatunga and guided by the late Gamini Dissanayake, he served Kotmale and Nuwara Eliya, opening factories, improving education, electrification and roads. He was friendly, humble and unassuming. We extend condolences to his wife Sandhya Kumari Kotakadeniya and sons Bimsara Bandara and Gagan Maddumabandara Ranatunga, and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 07 Regarding the late Hon. M.H. Sehu Iszadeen: he represented Ampara District near mine, was involved in founding the SLMC as its Chairman, later founded his own party, and served as MP, Deputy Minister of Information and Mass Media, and Non-Cabinet Minister for Export Development, rendering significant service to his province. We pray he attains blessed repose according to his faith and convey condolences to his wife and children.