PARLIAMENT
Condolence motions:
Seven more former MPs remembered
Sandasen MARASINGHE and Disna MUDALIGE
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody presided when Parliament met at
9.30 am yesterday. After the presentation of papers, the House took up
condolence motions of ex-MPs, late S D R Jayaratne, Saddathissa
Sakalasuriya, Kingsley T Wickramaratne, Santha Punchihewa, Dr Wimal
Wickramasinghe, A H De Silva and C S Ratwatte.
Water Supply and Drainage Minister and Chief Government Whip Dinesh
Gunawardena
I present the condolence motion of ex-MP late S D R Jayaratne. He was
born in Halawatha on September 2, 1932. He was the father of two
daughters and four sons including minister Priyankara Jayaratne who is
holding the portfolio of the Civil Aviation Service. S D R Jayaratne
started his career as a businessman and entered politics in 1952.
He established a record as the youngest MP elected to Parliament. He
retired from politics in 2000 and passed away on May 12, 2008.
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe
S D R Jayaratne contributed a lot not only for the SLFP, but also for
the development of the Chilaw electorate.
He was engaged in many social works. His name will not be forgotten
by the people of Chilaw and Madampe.
Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajantha
Chilaw is the centre of the fishing industry in the Puttalam
district. S D R Jayaratne made an enormous effort for the development of
the fishery industry. Today, I am glad that his son Priyankara Jayaratne
is holding ministerial responsibilities.
Social Services Senior Minister Milroy Fernando
S D R Jayaratne rendered a great service to the Chilaw electorate.
He served as the Fisheries Deputy Minister and the Fisheries
Minister.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne
I could associate S D R Jayaratne closely. He brought about changes
to the fields he was appointed as a minister.
He was a religious person. He also worked for the development of
agriculture. He had a noble political ideology and was an exemplary
character.
A H M Azwer takes the chair
Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne
S D R Jayaratne was a popular political figure in the recent past,
who entered into active politics in 1952. The brightest era of his
political career was the 1970s, when he was holding responsibilities of
the Fisheries Ministry.
Victor Anthony (UPFA) Jayaratne family and our family associated
closely. S D R Jayaratne was a pleasing character. His heart was filled
with love, kindness and warm feelings.
Public Relations and Public Affairs Minister
Dr Mervyn Silva S D R Jayaratne hailed from a great family. When he
was the Fisheries Minister, he took the side of fishermen, we should
continue his great service to the fisheries industry.
Arundika Fernando (UPFA): During a period of 17 years when the SLFP
and the leftist parties were suppressed, the late S D R Jayaratne, was a
great solace to them. He attempted to give a new lease of life to them.
If we are able to talk of a town named Anamaduwa, it was thanks to S D R
Jayaratne.
Now his son Priyankara Jayaratne, was the SLFP organizer of the
Anamaduwa seat. The late S D R Jayaratne had taken measures to develop
the entire Puttlam district.
Urban Affairs Senior Minister A H M Fowzie: The late S D R Jayaratne
was elected to Parliament in July 1960. He was appointed the Minister of
Fisheries. He was a popular politician specially among the Muslims. His
demise is a great loss to the nation.
Human Resources Senior Minister D E W Gunasekara: I got to know S D R
Jayaratne, because of George Rajapaksa. We lost the election in 1977 and
discussed the reasons for our loss. S D R Jayaratne had a record of the
services he rendered to the public. He took it out and showed me the
number of houses and plots of lands that had been distributed among the
public with all names.
He counted them and showed that at least a 50 percent of them had not
voted for him. He told me said that we should serve the people, but
never expect their votes.
Scientific Affairs Senior Minister Professor Tissa Vitarana: He was
an exemplary politician who came from the Puttlam District. Although he
was a member of a well to do family, he always attempted to solve the
problems of the ordinary people. As the Fisheries Minister, he played an
important role to solve the problems of the fisher folk.
His son, Priyankara Jayaratne, is sitting with us in Parliament
following in the footsteps of his father the late S D R Jayaratne.
National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva
Nanayakkara: Late S D R Jayaratne, was a very sincere friend of mine as
well as everybody. He lavishly treated his colleagues.
We very often visited his room and discussed politics while enjoying
his hospitality.
During those days, members called each other ‘member’.
It was a bit unfamiliar to me. But S D R Jayaratne changed it by
calling us by our own names on a friendly note.
Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne: I thank all members who
spoke on the vote of condolence of my late father. He was elected to
Parliament in 1952 and on various occasions he represented the people of
the Puttlam district until year 2000.
A H M Azwer takes the Chair:
I too join the condolence motion of late S D R Jayaratne and direct
the Secretary General to send copies of the motion to the family members
of late MP S D R Jayaratne.
The condolence motion on late Sardhatissa Sakalasuriya was moved by
Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha.
Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha: I move the
condolence motion on late Gampaha district MP Sardhatissa Sakalasuriya,
who was the son of an arts teacher of Shanthi Nikethana Premathilake
Sakalasuriya and Vice Principal Nalani Sakalasuriya.
He was born on July 07, 1961.
He moulded his life on the instructions of his relative Buddhist
monks Ven Henpitagedara Gnanaseeha Thera and Ven Henpitagedara Gnawasa
Thera.
He initiated his education from Divulapitiya Junior College and
continued it at Ananda College, Colombo. He also followed a diploma
course in Physics and initiated his career as a project manager at the
National Livestock Institute in Kuliyapitiya.
He was appointed the SLFP Chief Organizer of Divulapitiya seat in
1984. He was elected to Parliament in 1989.
He married Chandrika Hemamali Gunawardena, the daughter of former
Deputy Health Minister Lionel Gunawardena and sister of Petroleum
Industries Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena.
They were the parents of Samanmali. Late MP Sakalasuriya’s wife
Hemamali, was elected as a Western Province Provincial Councillor. He,
as a politician with humane qualities, never failed to render his
services to the people of his seat.
He took measures to develop roads, provide electricity, provide
facilities for self-employment, renovation of small- scale tanks,
providing land to the poor etc in the Divulapitiya electorate.
He also took measures to open bank accounts for 2500 children from
under privileged families in his electorate and deposited money in them.
He had to sell even his lands to serve the people in his area during his
28-year political career.
The late MP passed away after a brief illness, at the age of 47
years, on September 17, 2008.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): We appreciate the services rendered by the
late Sardhatissa Sakalasuriya to the people in Divulapitiya in the
Gampaha District. I am also a member of the Gampaha District. Although
we represented Parliament from two parties, we worked together and
cordially serve the people. Although he died at the age of 47, he was a
well experienced politician.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne: The late Sardhatissa Sakalasuriya, was
the son of Arts teacher Prematilake Sakalasuriya and Deputy Principal
Malani Sakalasuriya. He studied in Divulapitiya Junior School and later
at Ananda College in Colombo. He was appointed the SLFP Chief Organizer
of Divulapitiya electorate. During Chandrika Bandaranaike’s regime, he
cooperated with her to his full capacity. He was a very active member of
the SLFP.
He closely associated with his senior politicians in his district. He
died at a young age which was a loss to the Gampaha District and also to
the country.
Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne: The late Sardhatissa
Sakalasuriya was appointed as a SLFP Organizer in 1992 and was elected
to Parliament in 1994. I can recall how we met in 1992 as SLFP
Organizers. We pledged to take the SLFP to the very top in politics.
With that objective in mind, Sardhatissa Sakalasuriya organized the
Sarasemu Yovun Vyaparaya to recruit youth to the SLFP. He could have
recruited more than 20,000 youth to the SLFP on a single day.
Dayasiri Jayasekera (UNP): The late ex-MP Sakalasuriya and I, had the
distinction to work together. ‘President Agrarian Service’ programme was
initiated by a group including the two of us. We worked in brotherhood.
Social Services Minister Felix Perera: He did not pursue after money.
He was a very humble person. He had many good human qualities. He was
born in 1961 and expired in 2008. He had his education in Divulapitiya.
His passing away is a great loss to all of us.
Dr Sudarshini Fernandopulle (UPFA): Late ex-MP Sakalasuriya and the
late Jeyaraj Fernandopulle were engaged in politics during the same
period and the two of them passed away in 2008. Both Sakalasuriya’s
family and our family worked closely. He was engaged in social service
until his demise.
Ruwan Ranatunga (UPFA): He didnot engage in politics to earn money,
but rendered a yeoman service to the SLFP and to his seat, Divulapitiya.
He entered politics by accepting the invitation extended by Lakshman
Jayakody.
Petroleum Industries Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena: He was a
very humble political figure of his time. He was working very closely
with people.
He didnot pursue popularity, when engaging in politics.
A H M Azwer takes the Chair:
I too join with the condolence speeches made in this House. I request
the Secretary General of Parliament to send a copy of the condolence
motion to his family members.
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the Chair
Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha: I present the
condolence motion of ex-MP late Kingsley T Wickramaratne, who was born
on October 3, 1939. He had his education at Wesley College in Colombo,
and was a father of three daughters.
He joined the SLFP in 1974 and held the position of Assistant
Secretary and worked as the organizer for Borella.
He was a minister as well as a Southern Province Governor. He was
also elected to various positions in different Institutions.
He gave his contribution to a large number of social work in
Kaduwela. After he was appointed the Southern Province Governor in 2002,
he dedicated himself for development programmes in the South. He had a
faresighted vision on Information Technology. He was also a President’s
Counsel. He passed away on October 1, 2008 at the age of 69.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): The late Kingsley T Wickeremaratne was a
successful businessman before entering politics. He had an enormous
knowledge on advertising and marketing.
He was humble enough to respect the ideas of the opposition.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne: He made attempts to control the prices
of commodities and sell them at reasonable prices, when he was the
Commerce Minister. The two of us had also argued over these decisions
many times in the past. However, he always appeared on behalf of the
people. He closely mingled with the ordinary people and did not miss to
attend a funeral in the area.
Urban Affairs Senior Minister A H M Fowzie: He was my parliamentary
colleague and also was the Minister of Commerce and Food. He was a
believer of democracy and upheld democratic values. His demise is an
irreparable loss to the whole country.
Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa: He had served society
at his best when he was on the government side as well as in the
opposition. He himself was a successful businessman. He had personally
helped me on many occasions.
A H M Azwer (UPFA): He had no malice or hartred towards his
fellowmen. He was a great man who held the Ministerial portfolio of
Commerce and Food. He had frequent interactions with China.
Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the Chair
I would also like to join with the condolence speeches made by both
sides of the House, as a person who had known him personally.
I request the Secretary General of Parliament to send a copy of the
condolence motion to the family members of the late Kingsley
Wickramaratne.
Kamala Ranatunga takes the Chair
Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha: I present the
condolence motion of ex-MP late Shantha Punchihewa, who was born on
April 14, 1958 and studied at Vavuniya Parakum Vidyalaya up to his A-Ls.
He represented the Vanni district. He was a talented debater and actor.
He was the first Sinhalese to enter Parliament from the Vavuniya
district.
An honest politician, he was a good example to the others. He passed
away on October 10, 2008 due to a terrorist attack.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): The late ex-MP Shantha Punchihewa had a
respectable and wealthy family background, who understood the misery of
the poor and helped them immensely.
He held the leadership in many regional welfare societies. He was
also a good debater. He was a victim of a terrorist attack.
Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Badhiutheen: Even though he was
in this House for a very short period, he provided an enormous service
to the people in the Vanni, during this period. We remember him with
respect.
He did not want to earn money through politics, but wanted to serve
the people at his best.
Chandrani Bandara (UNP): He was a contemporary politician to me and
the two of us represented this House during the same period. He
represented the Vanni District during a turbulent period.
A H M Azwer (UPFA): The demise of ex MP Punchihewa, was a great loss
to the country. He was a good friend to me and we often travelled to
many places together. His ambition was to see an undisturbed unity of
the people in the North and the South.
Champika Premadasa (UNP): I must thank the House for taking up the
condolence motions yesterday and today, since many condolence motions
have been piled up. The late ex-MP Punchihewa always mingled with people
and shared both happiness and grief along with them.
A H M Azwer takes the Chair.
I direct the Secretary General of Parliament to send copies of the
condolence motion to the family members of the late Santha Punchihewa.
The condolence motion of late MP Dr Wimal Wickramasinghe was moved by
Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne.
Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne: The late
Dr Wimal Wickramasinghe was elected to Parliament from the UNP in 1977
and later re-elected in 1989. He held many ministerial portfolios and
was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer to the Colombo University. Later
he obtained a doctorate in Economics in England. As Environment Minister
and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, he rendered a great service. His
service was not limited only to the Ratnapura district.
He authored many books in English language. He was also the publisher
of a newspaper.
A philosopher, author and great politician passed away on January 8,
2009. His demise was a great loss to the country and the people of
Eheliyagoda.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): The late Dr Wimal Wickramasinghe was a very
learned and talented politician. He was an eloquent speaker. He worked
under three Presidents. He made attempts to recruit the service of the
educated people for the development of the country during the regime of
J R Jayewardene. He played a pivotal role to initiate the Janasaviya
movement.
J R P Sooriyapperuma (UPFA): I am talking of the loss of a very
valuable economist. Today an economist is very important than a
politician. Dr Wickramasinghe was an economist cum politician.
J R P Sooriyapperuma takes the Chair.
Human Resources Minister D E W Gunasekara: I met the late Dr
Wickramasinghe when he was elected to Parliament from the Eheliyagoda
electorate. I represented the Kalawana electorate. Our friendship lasted
until his demise. We had discussions on many matters including economy.
A H M Azwer (UPFA): The late Dr Wimal Wickramasinghe was a daring
person. Dr Wimal did not want politics, but politics wanted Dr Wimal. He
was a sincere and an honest person.
He worked as an assistant lecturer from 1966 to 1967. He also worked
as an Assistant Controller of Exchange.
He was a philosopher and a linguist. He was fluent in many languages
which were used in Sri Lanka. Let us have more and more Wickramasinghes
in this House and in this country.
J R P Sooriyapperuma takes the Chair.
I directed the General Secretary of Parliament to send copies of the
condolence motion to the family members of late MP Dr Wimal
Wickramasinghe.
The condolence motion on late MP A H de Silva was moved by
Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne.
Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne: I move
the condolence motion on A H de Silva, who was a late member
representing the Polonnaruwa district. He was born on December 18, 1920,
in Balapitiya. He was appointed the Leader of the House, and held many
ministerial portfolios.
He was married to L C de Silva and had a daughter named Sepalika de
Silva. He entered the University of Ceylon and obtained a degree in the
maths stream. He later entered Law College and initiated his career as
an Attorney-at-Law.
Although he refused to join politics after the assassination of late
Prime Minister S W R D Bandaranaike in 1959, he had to support his
brother the late Minister C P de Silva who steered the SLFP. Later he
contested from the Polonnaruwa district and was elected to Parliament.
After the demise of his wife in 1969, he spent a silent and religious
life. He rendered a great service to develop Buddhist religious places.
He rendered his services to Polonnaruwa as a politician and to Colombo
as an Attorney. This great politician passed away at the age of 88 on
February 2, 2009.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): The late A H de Silva, was blessed with great
humane qualities. He was an honest person who treated any person who
came to see him at his house.
He led a religious life after the demise of his wife. He led an
exemplary life as a politician during his short career.
A H M Azwer (UPFA): The late A H de Silva, was from Balapitiya, where
many erudites hailed from.
J R P Sooriyapperuma takes the Chair.
I direct the Secretary General of Parliament to send copies of the
condolence motion to the family members of late A H de Silva.
The House then took up the condolence motion on late Parliamentarian
Clifford Senaka Ratwatte.
Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne: I move
the condolence motion on late MP Clifford S Ratwatte, who represented
the people of Balangoda in the Ratnapura district in this Parliament.
The late C S Ratwatte was born in Mahawalathenna in Balangoda on
March 17, 1927, into the family of Government Agent Barnes Ratwatte.
He was the younger brother of the world’s first woman Prime Minister
Sirimavo Bandaranaike. He initiated his education from St Agnus’ Convent
in Balangoda and continued from S Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.
He was married to Mallika Ellawala. He began his career as a tea
planter in Balangoda. He was elected as a Councillor to the Balangoda
Town Council in 1954.
He took initial steps to construct the Balangoda playgrounds.
He constructed about 100 houses for families in Balangoda. He was
elected to Parliament in 1960, from the Balangoda electorate.
He was re-elected at the General Election held in the same year. He
was appointed Agriculture and Irrigation Minister.
He held many high ranking positions in many corporations and
insitutitons.
He produced the world famous films ‘Kaludiya Dahara’ and ‘God King’.
This great person who rendered his service to the country in various
fields, died at the age of 82 on February 11, 2009.
A H M Azwer takes the Chair.
Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): The late MP Clifford S. Ratwatte, contributed
to develop the irrigation system and thereby contribute to agricultural
promotion. He made an enormous contribution for the uplift of the tea
industry. His service for the welfare of the sports sector cannot be
disregarded.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne: He initiated the tea plantation
programme in Balangoda which was a success. He rendered yeoman service
for the development of the agriculture sector in Anuradhapura and
Ampara.
The late MPs wife contested the election after him and won it.
This showed the popularity of ex-MP C.S.Ratwatte.
He initiated to export tea to Russia and Germany, who were not buyers
of Sri Lanka tea during those days. In this manner, he popularized Sri
Lankan tea throughout the world.
Urban Affairs Senior Minister A H M Fowzie: He was a simple person to
whom people had easy access to. Due to an election petition, he was
unseated. However, his service to the country was unforgettable.
International Monetary Co-operation Senior Minister Dr Sarath
Amunugama: The late MP Clifford S.Ratwatte was in Parliament, he was a
very powerful member. But he didnot misuse his powers, but was very
humble. He performed his duties very well.
Human Resources Senior Minister DEW Gunasekere: I got to know the
late MP C S Ratwatte, when the ‘Samagi Peramuna’ Government was ruling.
The political and personal relations between us grew faster during
the Sirimavo Bandaranaike period. He was a people-friendly leader.
A H M Azwer in Chair:
I also join the condolence speeches of the members in this House and
order the Secretary General of Parliament to send a copy of the
condolence motion to the family members of ex-MP C S Ratwatte.
The House was adjourned till 1 pm on July 19.
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