Our home had three generations of mementos - Piyankara Jayaratne

The exact damage caused by the violence that swept across the country on May 9 remains unknown. On that day, properties of over 70 public representatives linked to the Government were attacked and destroyed. Many feel this incident should never have taken place. Recalling the day’s events, Puttalam district MP Piyankara Jayaratne talks about how his residence in Madampe was also destroyed by a violent mob.

“At the time I had already left the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and was functioning as an independent MP. I had stepped down from all posts as well. This was an attack carried out by a certain group in the guise of the Aragalaya. Due to the country’s situation, the notion that all 225 MPs are thieves had disseminated among the public creating a sense of hatred against politicians. Perhaps my home was attacked as I too was one of the 225. The anger they had against the 225 was also taken out on me,” he said.

The Minister said has been living in his home in Anamaduwa for many years while his office had been maintained at the Madampe residence. “When the incident took place I was in Anamaduwa. There were no issues there. The Madampe house belonged to my grandfather. I inherited it. I have now given it to my daughter. As a home of three generations in the family, it held many memories and souvenirs including things used by my grandfather and parents. None of those that were lost can be bought back for money. That loss cannot be valued monetarily. What saddened me was some who took part in the violence are those who were helped by my family. They broke the doors down and destroyed the property from within. Some had even made away with the valuables”, he alleged.

But according to Jayaratne, even as houses of MPs and Ministers went up in flames that day he was fortunate that his home in Madampe did not suffer a similar fate. “The Madampe OIC had managed to prevent it. But everything was damaged and destroyed.

That house was known by everyone in Madampe. Thousands used to visit the place when my father was alive. We were always with the people. Many supporters were deeply saddened by this incident. It was later revealed that many of those who attacked the house were members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Some were inebriated. When I heard of the incident I called the SJB organiser of Chilaw and informed him that their party members were involved in the attack. Six suspects have been presented before the courts to date.

I am yet to rebuild the home and I trust justice will be delivered. This was not a house built from stolen public monies. We have been businessmen for generations. We spent our earnings on politics and for the betterment of the district. This was the first incident of this kind I have faced in my long political career,” he said.

MP Piyankara Jayaratne’s father was a former MP and former Deputy Minister of Fisheries, S.D. Jayaratne. Jayaratne followed his father’s footsteps into the family business and politics after pursuing his higher studies.

“I joined politics with the blessings of the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike. My father was my first political inspiration. I served as his private secretary in 1989. I have served as a Cabinet Minister, State Minister and Deputy Minister. I was the Deputy Speaker on three occasions. I am now an independent MP as I oppose the current political system. I am not involved in any SLPP work now,” he said. Jayaratne said he has become disillusioned with Sri Lankan politics.