An independent group reportedly backed by convicted former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has secured control of the Nawalapitiya Urban Council, following the council’s inaugural meeting held this morning.
Former chairman Amal Priyankara, contesting under Independent Group 02, was re-elected as chairman with 9 votes. K. Sureshwaran from Independent Group 01 secured the post of deputy chairman, also receiving 9 votes.
The candidates proposed by the National People’s Power (NPP)—Tilak Amarasiri Sirisena for chairman and Hewage Prasanna for deputy chairman—received 5 votes each.
The 15-member council is composed of 5 from the NPP, 5 from Independent Group 02, 2 from Independent Group 01, 2 from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), 1 from the United National Front (UNF), and others. With no party holding a clear majority, the two independent groups combined to form a majority and take control of both top posts.
On Friday, Senani Jayarathna, wife of former minister Aluthgamage, had posted a letter on social media predicting that the group backed by her husband would secure power in Nawalapitiya. (Newswire)
