Colombo, October 02, 2026 – The Sri Lanka Elections Commission has officially announced the appointment of a new member to the Manmunai Thenmaru (Vavunatheevu) Pradeshiya Sabha, effectively filling a casual vacancy that arose in the local authority. This significant update was published in an Extraordinary Gazette, No. 2508/03, dated September 28, 2026, and is now accessible to the public.
Vacancy Arises in Manmunai Thenmaru PS
The gazette details the circumstances leading to the vacancy. According to the announcement, Mr. Kandappodi Thevarajah, a member previously nominated to the Manmunai Thenmaru (Vavunatheevu) Pradeshiya Sabha, vacated his seat due to non-attendance. Mr. Thevarajah failed to participate in Sabha meetings for three consecutive months without obtaining proper leave, a clear violation of the provisions outlined in the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262).
This absence triggered the legal process for filling casual vacancies in local governance bodies, ensuring continuous representation and functionality of the Pradeshiya Sabha.
Nomination and Appointment Process
Following the vacancy, the Elections Commission directed the Secretary of the ‘Deshiya Makkal Shakthi’ (National People’s Power) political party – the party Mr. Thevarajah represented – to nominate a suitable candidate. As per Section 9 of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), the party secretary was required to identify an eligible individual from their proportional representation list within a stipulated thirty-day period.
In response, the party secretary officially communicated the decision to nominate Mr. Kandalingam Dharmaraja to fill the vacant position. This nomination adhered to the legal framework governing such appointments, ensuring transparency and compliance with electoral regulations.
Official Declaration by Returning Officer
The official declaration was made by Mr. Nagalingam Regan, the Returning Officer for the Manmunai Thenmaru (Vavunatheevu) Pradeshiya Sabha. Acting under the authority vested by Section 66A(1)(b) of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), Mr. Regan formally announced that Mr. Kandalingam Dharmaraja has been duly elected and appointed as a member to the Manmunai Thenmaru (Vavunatheevu) Pradeshiya Sabha.
This appointment, originating from the District Elections Office in Batticaloa, underscores the Elections Commission’s commitment to maintaining democratic processes and ensuring the full composition of local governing bodies across the island.
The gazette, titled “2508/3 — Elections Commission,” falls under the ‘Gazettes’ category within the ‘government’ group, providing essential information on local administration and electoral decisions.
Source: Read original document