The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 Hon. Indradasa Hettiarachchi, Hon. P. Dayaratna, Hon. Gamini Lokuge, Hon. M. H. Cegu Isadean, and Hon. W. B. Ranatunga rendered great service to this country representing this Parliament. At this moment when condolence motions are presented for those senior statesmen, I first express my profound condolences to all their relatives and friends.

¶ 03 I entered national politics in 2005 and, in 2008 when I became the UNP Organizer for Bandaragama, I met the late Raja Samarasinghe, the late Tilak Karunaratne, and thereafter our own senior, former Minister Indradasa Hettiarachchi. I asked them what I should do to make my political life successful. Hon. Hettiarachchi, who rose from Chairman of the Kumbukpitiya Village Council to a minister over more than five decades, spoke with me about honesty, rootedness in the village, and the managerial skills needed to solve problems—lessons that guided me not only at the outset but until recently.

¶ 04 He lived an exemplary 96 years. His beloved wife passed away suddenly during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet he carried on with great fortitude. He was a dignified husband, exemplary father and grandfather whose children and grandchildren serve the country. For Horana, he created not just one or two, but numerous industrial zones—like Aramanagolla and Parth industrial estates—creating thousands of jobs for Kalutara District and the country. His family also personally built schools at private expense and donated them to the nation and village—an exemplary social life. He was a distinctive example in national politics.

¶ 05 In 1994, under a UNP Government and President D. B. Wijetunga, a key decision loomed: whether to hold a presidential election first or a parliamentary election. The East had been freed from the LTTE, and law and order had been stabilized in other regions. Based on his seasoned political acumen, Hon. Indradasa Hettiarachchi advised President Wijetunga that the environment favored a presidential win and that going for a parliamentary election first would be a mistake. Regrettably, that advice was not taken; a parliamentary election was held, and the UNP lost by one seat. True to his word, Hon. Hettiarachchi retired from politics without contesting again—an undefeated leader. Many in the UNP know that had that decision been different, the country’s political course would have changed.

¶ 06 His greatest example to us came after retirement. From 1994 to 2024, he led a fruitful retired life, rendering active service as a Trustee of the Kalutara Bodhi Trust. He attended every funeral in the area—poor or rich alike—and every temple event. He had the strength to go anywhere alone; people of all parties loved him. Decades after retiring undefeated from Parliament, he still led an exemplary life. That is a greater achievement than political office itself. At his passing at 96, tens of thousands came to pay last respects—testimony to an unparalleled, honorable life.

¶ 07 Regarding Hon. P. Dayaratna: born in Kesbewa, educated at Ananda College, Colombo, qualified further in the UK as an engineer, served at the Ceylon Electricity Board, and entered politics in 1970, winning handsomely in 1977. Beyond ministerial work, he was a hero to the people of the difficult Digamadulla (Ampara) region. He served all three communities in Ampara and the entire country. We fondly remember him and pray that he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

¶ 08 Hon. Gamini Lokuge was a different kind of politician—rising through the trade union movement, facing challenges and terrorism, with a practical, hands-on approach as Minister of Tourism and Minister of Power, serving not only Kesbewa but the whole country.

¶ 09 Hon. M. H. Cegu Isadean worked with the UNP and represented the Muslim Congress. He protected the rights of Muslim people and served the people of Ampara and the entire country with distinction.

¶ 10 Hon. W. B. Ranatunga represented Nuwara Eliya District and worked with dedication for his district and the country. I conclude by expressing our highest respect and deepest condolences to these beloved leaders. Thank you for the time.