April 07, Colombo (LNW): Parliament has formally notified the Election Commission of a vacancy in the legislature, following the untimely death of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, the National Peoples Power (NPP) MP representing the Kegalle District.
The official communication was made by Acting Secretary General of Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, in accordance with the constitutional and electoral provisions that govern such circumstances.
Jayaweera, a rising political figure known for his outspoken advocacy on social justice and grassroots development, passed away unexpectedly yesterday (06). He was only 38 years old at the time of his demise.
The MP had been admitted to the Karawanella Hospital after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, where he later succumbed despite medical efforts.
The notification of the vacancy has been issued in terms of Article 66(a) of the Constitution, effective from the date of his death. The process follows procedural requirements outlined in Section 64(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, as amended by the Elections (Special Provisions) Act No. 35 of 1988, which mandates that the Election Commission be informed without delay in such events.
Jayaweera’s passing has sent shockwaves through political circles and the wider public. As one of the youngest MPs in the current Parliament, he was widely regarded as a promising new voice within the NPP, representing a generational shift in Sri Lankan politics.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues across the political spectrum. Many have expressed their sorrow over the loss of a parliamentarian who was seen as principled, accessible, and committed to public service.
The NPP leadership has yet to formally announce who will succeed Jayaweera in Parliament, though the process of nominating a replacement from the party’s district list is expected to begin shortly under the supervision of the Election Commission.
