January 18, Colombo (LNW): Former cabinet minister Nandana Gunathilake has died aged 64 while undergoing medical care at Ragama Hospital, family members confirmed on Sunday.
Gunathilake was a long-standing figure in Sri Lankan politics, having first emerged as an early and prominent member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). His national profile rose significantly in 1999 when he contested the presidential election as the JVP’s nominee, finishing third in the overall vote count.
Over the years, his political journey crossed several party lines. While aligned with the JVP, he entered Parliament under the banner of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), during which time he was entrusted with ministerial responsibilities, including serving as Acting Minister of Posts and Telecommunications and later as Minister of Tourism.
In 2015, Gunathilake parted ways with the JVP and joined the United National Party (UNP). That same year, he secured local government office as Mayor of the Panadura Urban Council, representing the UNP and playing an active role in municipal administration.
In his later political career, he went on to associate himself with the New Democratic Front (NDF).
