The Hon. D. V. Chanaka

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, first, on behalf of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and personally, I express condolences to the families of the late Hon. P. Dayaratna, Hon. Indradasa Hettiarachchi, Hon. M. H. Cegu Isadean, Hon. W. B. Ranatunga, and Hon. Gamini Lokuge.

¶ 02 Among the five, I had the opportunity to work with and do politics alongside Hon. Gamini Lokuge. He began politics in 1964 with the UNP, starting in the youth organization and working closely with the trade union movement. During his political career, he lived through both wars, and engaged in politics during very difficult times.

¶ 03 Elected to Parliament first in 1983, he served until 2024—about 41 years—as MP, Cabinet Minister, and State Minister. To serve continuously that long is not easy. Governments and parties changed, but the people—especially of his Kesbewa Seat—were always with him. He began politics also in Puttalam and Anamaduwa and then served Kesbewa for around 41 years as MP, doing great service.

¶ 04 As Minister of Tourism in 2001, he developed foundational infrastructure for the tourism industry. In 2007, during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tenure and amid intense pressures of the war and parliamentary arithmetic, he made a firm decision to join the SLFP-led Government, putting country over party. He contributed significantly to achieving the war victory and uniting the country. From 2007 to 2024, he worked in front ranks of the SLFP, the UPFA, and later the SLPP.

¶ 05 After President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s defeat in 2015, the “Mahinda Sulanga” movement began in Nugegoda. The first MP to take leadership there—from the then UPFA/SLPP camp—was Hon. Gamini Lokuge. From that point, he played a major role in building an SLPP Government and electing a President.

¶ 06 He was a leader who listened to the people through the trade union movement. Every morning, before leaving home, 25–30 people would meet him with problems; he ensured solutions before he stepped out. On public days, he led activities in Kesbewa and Colombo District, intervening and getting things done. He stood up for trade unions and against injustices in the public service, both inside and outside Parliament—a true street fighter and leader.

¶ 07 Finally, we pray for his eternal peace and convey condolences to his two daughters and all his family on behalf of the SLPP and all of us. Thank you.