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PARLIAMENT
Condolence motions:
Seven former MPs remembered
Sandasen MARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody presided yesterday when Parliament
met at 9.30 am.
The House took up the condolence motions of late Members of the
Parliament Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi, Protus Thisera, JP Obeysekera, P B
G Kalugalle, M H Amit, Major General Sarath Munasinghe and Wilfred
Senanayake.
Water Supply and Drainage Minister and Chief Government Whip Dinesh
Gunawardena moved the condolence vote of late MP Dharmadasa
Wanniarachchi.
Dinesh Gunawardena (Water Supply and Drainage Minister and Chief
Government Whip):
Late Deputy Minister Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi was elected to
Parliament in the 1960s. He also worked as the North-Western Governor.
He initiated his career as Village Headman and later was appointed as a
Grama Sevaka.
He was married to Podimenike Weerasekara who gave birth to two
daughters who are Technology and Research Minister Pavithradevi
Wanniarachchi and Attorney Prasannadevi Wanniarachchi.
He was elected to Parliament in 1967 from SLFP representating the
Pelmadulla electorate. Thereafter he was re-elected in 1970. He was a
leading politician who was in the forefront of Pada Yathra, Jana Goshawa
and Minis Danwela. He was a well-read person and had good knowledge in
politics, Buddhism and indigenous medicine.
He was a good Buddhist and has taken steps to develop temples in
Ratnapura district. He also supported almost all other temples in the
country.
He rendered a great service to the workers in the estate sector in
Sabaragamuwa Province.
This great and pious politician died on October 5, 2007.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): When he died in 2007 he was the Governor of
North Western Province. He was elected to Parliament in 1967. He was an
exemplary politician who supported the people in Sabaragamuwa immensely.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne:
Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi was born in Nawalapitiya and later lived in
Ratnapura district. He was a good cultivator and ran a tea estate.
Thereafter, he joined politics. Those days he worked cordially with us.
Unlike today the politicians maintained a very good relationship with
each other irrespective of parties.
Once when Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the Prime Minister, she called
Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi, T B Jayasundara and myself who were Members of
Parliament and said there was one chance for one of us to be a minister
and asked us to select one person. I proposed that Dharmadasa
Wanniarachchi should be the minister. But he rejected. When both of us
insisted, he accepted the post. He was an exemplary person.
Janaka Wakkumbura (MP): He was elected to Parliament even before I
was born. He had rendered a great service to the Ratnapura district. The
people loved him so much that the people came to polling centers in
boats even during floods to vote for him. People elected him to
Parliament defeating Sitha Molamure.
A H M Azwer takes the chair
Ven Ellawala Medananda Thera (UPFA):
Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi was one of the most valuable persons found
from the Ratnapura District.
He was honoured because of his great qualities. He worked for the
benefit of the people and he provided services to the public. He was an
exemplary politician.
Y G Padmasiri (UPFA): Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi always
appreciated the rural life. He obtained his education from the
Pelmadulla Central College. He was appointed as a Grama Sevaka and
served the public. Then he switched on to politics. I closely associated
him at the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council and we learnt a lot from him.
S B Nawinna (Consumer Welfare Senior Minister): Dharmadasa
Wanniarachchi who initiated his career as a Gammuladeni has rendered his
service as a Parliamentarian, Deputy Minister, Opposition Leader in the
Provincial Council and a Governor.
Vasudeva Nanayakkara (National Languages and Social Integration
Senior Minister):
Dharmadasa Wanniarachci was an exemplary person. He was an idol of
humbleness. His face was the mirror of his heart. He never went after
wealth and power. But both came after him. He generously spent his money
for the public.
After his brother Karunasena Wanniarachci's death, he was elected to
Parliament. We saw the radical nature of Karunasena in Dharmadasa
Wanniarachchi as well. That radical nature was to create a better
society for the public.
Kamala Ranatunga (UPFA): The late MP Dharmadasa Wanniarachchi,
was a great politician. He played a major role in women empowerment in
Sri Lanka. He always treated people with good qualities. He never hated
any person around him.
Human Resources Senior Minister Dew Gunasekera: He was a Leftist who
did not want to support Capitalism. His political ideas and views were
very dear. As a Deputy Industries Minister, he commenced several large
scale projects. He always upheld his policies.
Pubic Adminstration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seniviratne:
As
an experienced politician, late MP Wanniarchchi: rendered yeoman service
to the people of Ratnapura district.
He always spoke of serving the people. He was a devoted Buddhist and
had a close relationship with the Mahasanga.
After the House passed the condolence vote on late MP L Dharmadasa
Wanniarachchi, the chair announced that the Hanzard containing speeches
made by members during the vote would be sent to the relations of the
late MP.
The House then took up the condolence vote on late MP Protus Tissera.
Water Supply and Drinage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene: Late MP Protus
Tissera represented the Nathandiya area. He was born in 1926 in
Wennapuwa and was the chief organizer of the Nathandiya electorate. He
engaged himself in genuine politics to serve the people.
He was the pioneer to provide land to the poor. He did a great
service for the advancement of agriculture and development of
infrastructure facilities. He gave his fullest support and contribution
for the social and religious activities in his area. He passed away on
October 14, 2007.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): Late MP Protus Tissera, rendered a
unique service to the people. He was treated by the people as an honest
and humble leader. He was committed to serve the people.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne: Late MP Protus Tissera was an
energetic person. He always raised his voice against injustice.
He made his contributions mainly for the social and economic
development of the country. He always moved with the people. He had
great religious concerns.
His aim was developing the country by fulfilling the needs of the
people. The late MP carried out his duties in a responsible and
competent manner.
Social Services Minister Felix Perera: Late MP Protus Tissera
was a Leftist. He was at the forefront of Leftist activities.
I had very close contacts with him and visited many areas and moved
with the people. He distributed land to the poor.
Joseph Michael Perera (UNP): He was a person who genuinely
loved the ordinary people. He had gentlemant qualities. He became a
unique character in his district. He always lived with the common man
and realised their needs.
Social Services Senior Minister Milroy Fernando: Late MP Protus
Tissera, had donated land. He was also helpful to the village folk and
helped them to start their livelihood activities. We are unable to
forget his services rendered to the people.
Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne: Late MP Protus Tissera,
began his political career as a village councillor. He was elected to
Parliament from the Nattandiya electorate. He rendered a valuable
service by providing land to the destitute. Fisherfolk were given many
facilities under his leadership.
Victor Anthoney (UPFA): He was a great and brave character,
who never clashed with his political opponents. Today, people in his
electorate reap the benefits of his political and social activities. He
had been able to win the hearts of the common people.
Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Jayarathne Herath: As a village councillor, he came into active politics in 1970. He donated his own
wealth to the poor. He took measures to improve the infrastructure
facilities in schools and constructed several schools in the Nattandiya
electorate.
State Resources and Enterprise Development Minister Dayashrith
Tissera: My father contributed much to protect the Leftist movement in Puttalam.
The people still support me due to my father's political and social
commitment and service. I am committed to fulfill the needs of Puttalam
District's people by bringing forward policies of my dead father.
A H M Azwer (UPFA): After the House passed the condolence vote
on late MP Protus Tissera, the chair announced that the Hauzard
containing speeches made by members during the vote, would be sent to
the relatives of the late MP.
Then the House took up the condolence vote on Late MP J P Obeyesekera.
Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene: As an
MP and Deputy Minister, late MP J P Obeyesekara, rendered a great
service to the country.
He was born in 1915 and studied at Royal College.
He was a degree holder from Trinity College, affiliated to Cambridge
University in UK.
He was a member of the Trinity College debating team.
He displayed his talents in athletics as well and was also certified
as an A-grade pilot.
J P Obeysekera, rendered a great service to the SLFP. He was elected
to Parliament by representing Attanagalla in 1960. He had attended
international seminars representing Parliament of Sri Lanak. He was able
to bring credit to the country.
He was appointed Deputy Health Minister and Deputy Finance Minister
and rendered yoeman service to the people. He engaged himself in many
social service activities. He passed away on October 23, 2007.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): He was an athletic coach before he
entered politics. He was also a certified A-grade pilot. He was elected
to Parliament from the Attanagalla seat in 1960. He brought honour to
the country by participating at international seminars, representing
Parliament.
Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities
Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna: Late MP J.P.Obeyesekera, was a
pioneer member of the SLFP. The services rendered by him to the
Attanagalla people had been remarkable. He lived a very successful life.
He had a great respect for his party leadership.
Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne: Late MP J.P.Obeyesekera was an
A-grade pilot. During the second world war he served the Royal Air
Force. Later he was elected to Parliament by obtaining a huge majority
of votes from the people of Attanagalla. He rendered yeoman service to
develop the health sector as a Deputy Health Minister.
Human Resources Senior Minister Dew Gunasekera: He was a great leader
who always had the people in his thoughts. He was elected to Parliament
by obtaining a huge majority of votes from the people of Attanagalla.
A.H.M.Azwer (UPFA): Late MP J.P.Obeyesekera, was from a noble
family. He was a brilliant character and had excellent debating skills.
He donated 24,000 acres of land to the landless people and also for
social welfare activities.
J.R.P.Suriyapperuma (UPFA): There had been a Malaria epidemic
in 1935. During this period, the Obeyesekera family had come forward to
offer relief to the patients in Wathupitiwala Hospital.
The people of Attanagalla had never forgotten the services rendered
by late MP Obeyesekera on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka.
Rural Affairs Senior Minister Athauda Seneviratne: The late MP
Obeyesekera, was a down to earth person. He engaged himself in politics
in Attanagalla electorate. The land for the construction of the
Wathupitiwala Hospital had been donated by him. Today the hospital has
been equipped with the latest facilities to provide a great service to
the people.
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody: After the House passed the
condolence vote on late MP J.P.Obeyesekera, the chair announced that the
Hanzard containing messages of condolences made by members during the
vote, would be conveyed to the relations of the late MP.
The House then took up the Vote of Condolence on late MP
P.B.G.Kalugalle.
Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene: As a member of
Parliament and Minister, late MP P.B.G.Kalugalle, had rendered yeoman
service to the people.
He was born in 1920. He obtained his primary education from Maris
Stella College in Negombo. Later he attended Ananda College in Colombo,
for his secondary education.
A lawyer by profession, he rendered yeoman service to the poor people
free of charge. He was elected to Parliament from the Kegalle electorate
in 1956. He was appointed a Deputy Health Minister during late Prime
Minister S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike's Government.
As a Deputy Health Minister, he took measures to construct a base
hospital in Kegalle. In 1959, he was appointed as Cultural and Social
Services Minister and rendered yeoman service to his electorate. He was
also the Transport Minister and Finance Minister.
As Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister, he upgraded facilities of the
Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. He made an immense
service by developing infrastructure facilities in Kegalle. He passed
away on November 21, 2007.
A.H.M.Azwer takes the Chair
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): He rendered yeoman service to uplift
health and tourism in Sri Lanka. His intention was to serve the people
in an equal manner. He was able to win the hearts of the people.
Health Deputy Minister Lalith Dissanayake: He pioneered the
resolving of land disputes pertaining to the rural upcountry people.
He used his decentralised budget to build the Kegalle Hospital. This
had vastly helped the people of Kegalle.
Y.G.Padmasiri (UPFA): The people of Kegalle, appreciated his
services and never forgot it. The tourism sector was developed under his
leadership. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage too was built under his
directions and it had become the biggest revenue generating avenue to
Sri Lanka today.
Kanaka Herath (UPFA): The late Minister Kalugalla, as one born
in Kegalle had rendered a great service to the Kegalle district. He
studied in Kegalle and became an attorney. He developed the Pinnawala
Maha Vidyalaya and also initiated the Hiriwadunna Water Project. He was
also the founder of the world famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Rural Affairs Senior Minister Athauda Seneviratne: The late P
B G Kalugalla was a member of a well-known family in the Kegalle
district and his wife was also from such a family. He was a very popular
politician in the district. He was appointed a Deputy Minister when he
was elected to Parliament for the first time. He was a great strength to
the SLFP. Thereafter, he was given many ministerial posts. He took
measures to appoint 10,000 teachers and also developed a large number of
schools in the district. The Base Hospital in Kegalle was developed by
him.
Consumer Welfare Senior M Minister S B Navinna: The service
rendered by late Kalugalla to the Kegalle district and the country is
appreciated by all.
A H M Azwer takes the Chair.
I request the Secretary General of Parliament to send copies of the
condolence motion to the family members of late P B G Kalugalla.
R Yogarajan takes the Chair.
The condolence vote on M H Amit was then moved by Chief Government
Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minsiter Dinesh Gunawardena.
Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena: The
late A H Amit who was a Malay by birth, was born in Kandy in 1914. He
obtained a degree from the Cambridge University and later entered the
Colombo Law College and took his oaths as an Attorney-at-Law.
Mohamed Hashim Amit and his wife had eight children. He also worked
as a teacher and was a generous politician. He resigned from Parliament
to offer his seat to late Gamini Dissanayake to enter Parliament.
He was a close relative of T B Jaya and joined politics following in
his footsteps. He died on March 6, 2008.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): The late Amith was a founder member of
the UNP. He joined the UNP led by the late D S Senanayake and entered
Parliament from the UNP list.
A H M Azwer (UPFA): The late Amit was born on February 3, 1914
and was one of my close associates. We worked together in Parliament in
1989. He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1927. Amit attended each meeting
organizaed by the UNP. He worked very hard to uplift the image of the
UNP.
An advocate by profession, his wife always said that he came home in
a black coat, but there was no money in it. He was such a great man that
he didn't charge high rates from his clients.
R Yogarajan in the Chair.
I request the Director General of Parliament to send copies of this
vote to the family members of the late MP M H Amit.
The condolence vote of the late MP Major General Sarath Munasinghe
was then moved by Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena: The
late Major General was appointed a Deputy Speaker in this Parliament. He
was born in Mawanella on November 20, 1948. He continued his education
at Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala.
He joined the Sri Lanka Army as a Cadet Officer in 1970 and was
promoted to the rank of 2nd Leutenant in 1971. Later he rose up to the
rank of Colonel in 1990.
Later he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier in 1993 and then to
Major General in 1998. He was awarded with many medals including the
Uttama Seva Padakkama. He later resigned from the Army and entered
politics on the invitation of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. He
died on March 17, 2008.
Chandrani Bandara (UNP): He was a great son of the country. He
rendered a great service to liberate this country from terrorism.
A H M Azwer (UPFA): The late Sarath Munasinghe, as an officer in the
Army, had worked hard to defeat LTTE terrorism. He was a great friend of
the people. He later was elected as Deputy Speaker of this Parliament.
A H M Azwer takes the Chair.
Consumer Welfare Senior Minister S B Nawinna: The late Sarath
Munasinghe was a very popular student of Maliyadeva College in
Kurunegala. Due to his talents, he was promoted to the rank of Major
General.
Human Resources Senior Minister DEW Gunasekera: He was
appointed as Military Spokesman and I came to know him when I was
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. He was fluent in three
language. He showed off his talents as a deputy spekaer as well.
Urban Affairs Senior Minister A H M Fowzie: The late Sarath
Munasinghe entered politicis during the tenure of former President
Chandrika Kumaratunga. He was a good serviceman as well as a politician.
A H M Azwer takes the Chair.
I request the Director General of Parliament to send copies of the
condolence votes to the family members of the late Major General Sarath
Munasinghe. The House then took up the condolence vote of the late MP
Wilfred Senanayake.
Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh
Gunawardena: The late Wilfred Senanayake was born on November 10, 1918,
and had his education at Nalanda College. He initiated his career by
joining the SL Army.
He was married to Yasawathi Dolaweera. He joined the Lanka Sama
Samaja Party and was the first Leftist chairman of the Gamsabha.
He organized the Homagama riot in 1953 against the increasing price
of rice and train fare. He was elected to Parliament in 1970. He died on
May 26, 2008.
Chadrani Bandara (UNP): He was a founder member of the LSSP.
He joined the Army without the knowledge of his family members. We
admire the services rendered by him to the public.
Y G Padmasiri (UPFA): When LSSP members who were prisoned were
released in 1945, Wilfred Senanayake took initiatives to organize
rallies throghout the country. Due to the protest campaigns organized by
him, the government had to increase the price of paddy from Rs 8 to Rs
12. It was a great solace to the farmers during those days.
Human Resources Senior Minister DEW Gunasekera: He was a member of
the LSSP's second generation. He had the hartal in Kelani Valley in
1953, while the rest led the partals in other areas.
National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva
Nanayakkara: He was a member of the LSSP second generation. He was
exemplary in dedicating himself to public service without any
expectation. He stood against imperialism. When the LSSP rally was
banned in 1945, the members led by the late Robert Gunawardena held the
rally. When the rally was attacked members led by Wilfred Senanayake
retaliated.
Rural Affairs Senior Minister Athauda Seneviratne: The late Wilfred Senanayake was a representative of the poor and ordinary people. He
offered his lands to the poor people when their lands were acquired for
road development projects. He protested that the extention of lands that
could be owned by one person should be limited to 25 acres while there
was a suggestion that it be limited to 250 acres. Later the extention
was limited to 50 acres.
A H M Azwer in Chair.
I request the Director General of Parliament to send copies of the
condolence motion to the family members of the late Wilfred Senanayake.
Parliament adjounred until 9.30 am today. |
