Colombo, Sri Lanka – 02 October 2026 – The Elections Commission has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Gunamuni Chaminda Sanjeewa Kulathilaka to fill a vacant seat in the Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha. The declaration, detailed in an Extraordinary Gazette (No. 2507/99) dated September 25, 2026, ensures the continued representation and smooth functioning of local governance in the Millaniya area.
Background to the Vacancy
The need for a new member arose following the vacation of office by Mr. Ambawalage Darshana Ruwan Warnapura, a returned member of the Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha. The vacancy occurred due to his non-attendance at consecutive council meetings for a period of three months without obtaining official permission, a contravention of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262).
Under Section 66A(1) of the aforesaid Ordinance, the Returning Officer for the Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha, Mr. Wannakuwatta Waduge Kalindra Jayaweera Fernando, initiated the process to fill the seat. This required the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the recognized political party to which the former member belonged, to nominate a suitable candidate.
Nomination and Official Declaration
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna duly communicated its decision to nominate Mr. Gunamuni Chaminda Sanjeewa Kulathilaka to fill the vacancy. Following this nomination and after confirming Mr. Kulathilaka was not disqualified under Section 9 of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance, the Returning Officer proceeded with the official declaration.
Acting in terms of Section 66A(1)(b) of the Ordinance, Mr. Wannakuwatta Waduge Kalindra Jayaweera Fernando formally declared Mr. Gunamuni Chaminda Sanjeewa Kulathilaka as the duly elected member of the Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha. The declaration was made from the District Elections Office, Kalutara, on September 24, 2026, and subsequently published in the Gazette Extraordinary on September 25, 2026.
Implications for Millaniya
The swift action by the Elections Commission and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna in filling this vacancy underscores the commitment to maintaining effective local administration. Mr. Kulathilaka’s appointment is expected to bolster the Pradeshiya Sabha’s quorum and facilitate its continued work in serving the residents of Millaniya.
The Gazette serves as the official legal instrument confirming this change, ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic processes within Sri Lanka’s local government structure.
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