Nandasiri Jasentuliyana
Today, we pause to reflect and express our deepest appreciation for the remarkable life and legacy of Nihal Seneviratne, former Secretary-General of Parliament, whose passing marks the end of an era in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history.
Nihal Seneviratne, fondly known as “Galba”, was born in 1934 in Elpitiya and received his early education at Royal College, Colombo. He pursued higher studies at the University of Peradeniya, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1959. He then entered Law College in 1960, where I first met him. The following year, he completed the Advocate Final Examination and took oaths as an Advocate.
Shortly after joining Parliament as a Second Clerk Assistant, Nihal’s career unfolded under the guidance of Sam Wijesinha, the legendary Secretary-General of Parliament. Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a Clerk Assistant in 1965 before eventually assuming the esteemed position of Secretary-General in 1981. He dedicated over three decades to parliamentary service and retired in June 1994.
For 33 years, Seneviratne served Parliament with unwavering commitment. His wisdom, integrity, and dedication left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s legislative process.
On 15 March last year, I invited my parliamentary friend Nihal to join me in meeting the Prime Minister, Harini Amarasuriya, to present her with a copy of my book on the Parliament of Sri Lanka. On that occasion, he presented the Prime Minister with a pre-publication copy of his memoir, chronicling his 33 years of service to Parliament.
On 30 April, at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute auditorium—presided over by former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya—Seneviratne formally launched his memoir, Memories of 33 Years in Parliament. In this fascinating and informative work, he recounts key events that shaped the country’s political landscape. The memoir stands as a treasure trove of insight for present and future generations.
The role played by parliamentary staff—often risking life and limb to safeguard democracy—has been profoundly selfless. This was starkly evident during the tragic incident in August 1987, when a JVP activist hurled a hand grenade during a Parliamentary Group Meeting. An MP and a staff member lost their lives, while scores of others sustained injuries. Seneviratne describes this incident vividly in one of the early chapters, aptly titled “Hand Grenade Attack in Parliament”. It remains the ghastliest act ever experienced within Sri Lanka’s Parliament.
It is also noteworthy that one of the first tasks assigned to the young Seneviratne upon assuming duty was to take an MP into custody. This is related to the parliamentarian K. M. P. Rajaratna, who was fasting within Parliament premises. Seneviratne promptly studied British parliamentary practice concerning the ‘imprisonment’ of an MP and devised a plan the very same day.
Nihal does not spare the witty verbal exchanges that characterised the parliamentary life of his era. Recalling one such instance, he recounts Dudley Senanayake mockingly addressing Opposition counterpart Maithripala Senanayake’s nationalist fervour—despite having a Tamil wife—by quipping: “He believes in Sinhala only by day and the reasonable use of Tamil at night.”
Nihal was also the officer responsible for overseeing the historic relocation of Parliament from Galle Face to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a chapter he reminisces about with great pride.
His memoir is far more than a personal account; it is filled with invaluable lessons and rare insights from a man who witnessed history unfold firsthand.
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https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/14/features/933262/tribute-to-a-life-of-service/
A respected uncle. Memories of lively family gatherings. He will be missed.
Has left his footprints on the sands of time.