Nandana Gunathilaka passes away

Former Member of Parliament and veteran politician, Mr. Nandana Gunathilaka, has passed away. He was 63 years old when he passed away this morning (18) while receiving residential treatment at Ragama Teaching Hospital, where he had been ill for some time. His demise has also been confirmed by family members.

Born on September 07, 1962, in Panadura, Mr. Nandana Gunathilaka entered active politics as a full-time member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Marking a significant milestone in the political history of the JVP, Mr. Nandana Gunathilaka was also the party's presidential candidate for the 1999 presidential election.

He was able to secure the third position among the candidates, obtaining 344,173 votes.

Subsequently, with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) forming an alliance with the Podujana Eksath Peramuna (People's United Front), he was elected to Parliament representing the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA). Serving as a Member of Parliament for nearly nine years in the 11th, 12th, and 13th Parliaments, he contributed to state governance by holding the positions of Acting Minister of Post and Telecommunications and Minister of Tourism under that government.

However, due to political ideological differences that arose later, he left the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and joined the United National Party (UNP). With this political shift, Mr. Nandana Gunathilaka also served as the Mayor of the Panadura Municipal Council. He remained involved in political activities until his final days and recently gained media attention for raising his voice against the proposal to cut the pensions of former Members of Parliament.

Further details regarding Mr. Nandana Gunathilaka's final rites will be announced.