Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

¶ 01 [2.14 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, today we record condolences for former MPs who rendered great service.

¶ 03 Hon. Gamini Lokuge began with the UNP, later joined the UPFA and served as a Minister there, and passed away as a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. He long represented Parliament, leading Kesbewa in Colombo District, leaving an indelible mark. During the Aragalaya, his house and office were set on fire; he faced these trials with fortitude. I attended his funeral, and I extend Parliament’s and my personal condolences to his family, praying he attains Nibbana.

¶ 04 Hon. P. Dayaratna, like Hon. Lokuge, was a senior Minister, representing the difficult Ampara District since 1977. As Minister of Power, he rendered immense service to Ampara and the Eastern Province and the nation. I convey personal, party (SLFP), and Parliamentary condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana.

¶ 05 Hon. Indradasa Hettiarachchi represented Horana, Kalutara, and served that district greatly. I extend my personal, party and Parliamentary condolences to his family, and pray he attains eternal peace.

¶ 06 Hon. M.H. Sehu Iszadeen served the Muslim community, his district and the country; I convey condolences to his family and pray, according to our faith, for his peaceful repose.

¶ 07 Hon. W.B. Ranatunga entered politics for the UNP from Kotmale in the Up-Country. In 1977, when the SLFP fell to eight seats, Nuwara Eliya returned two seats to us; later Ranatunga represented Kotmale for the UNP, and after Anandha Dissanayake, he again represented Kotmale. Kotmale, famed through the accelerated Mahaweli programme, became home for people relocated from areas like Anuradhapura and Mahaweli C Zone. I extend SLFP and personal condolences to his family and pray he attains Nibbana. Thank you.