Kumara Welgama laid to rest in Kalutara

Senior parliamentarian and former minister Kumara Welgama was laid to rest today in Mathugama, Kalutara after final rites. He passed away last Saturday at the age of 74.

Hailing from a well-known family in Matugama, Mr Welgama was the son of transport sector businessman S A Welgama and Beatrice Welgama. He was born on April 5, 1950 and schooled at St Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.

He started out as a planter and later became a businessman.

He began his political career as the organiser of the Agalawatta constituency in 1982 following his appointment to the post by leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

Mr Welgama, who became a Member of Parliament in 1994, represented the Kalutara District undefeated for 30 consecutive years until the time of his demise.

He also held several ministerial positions including Deputy Minister of Transport, Deputy Minister of Power and Energy, Minister of Industries and Minister of Transport.

He remained staunchly loyal to the SLFP throughout his political career, but differences within the party led him to join the Samagi Jana Balawegaya briefly.