A vacancy in Parliament has occurred following the death of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, MP for the Kegalle Electoral District.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Mohamed Rizvie Salih informed the House this morning that the vacancy took effect from April 6, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of Article 66(a) of the Constitution.
With profound regret, Dr. Salih conveyed the sad news of Jayaweera’s passing and announced that a vote of condolence will be presented to Parliament on a future date.
Sources within Parliament confirmed that NPP candidate Samantha Ranasinghe, who contested the general elections for the Kegalle District, is set to replace Jayaweera. Ranasinghe, who secured over 40,000 preferential votes during the general elections, will be sworn in once his name is officially gazetted by the Election Commission.
The Parliament officially notified the Election Commission of the vacancy yesterday, with Acting Secretary General Chaminda Kularatne confirming that the vacancy was created due to Jayaweera’s death on April 6, 2025. This communication was in line with Section 64(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, as amended by the Elections (Special Provisions) Act, No. 35 of 1988.
Jayaweera, aged 38, tragically passed away at the Karawanella Base Hospital due to a sudden heart attack. His untimely death has left a void in the Kegalle District, where he had served as a dedicated representative in Parliament.
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