Sri Lankan Origin Athithiya Anantharajah appointed Deputy Mayor in Paris

March 30 (Daily Mirror) - Twenty-five-year-old French politician of Sri Lankan origin Athithiya Anantharajah has been appointed Deputy Mayor (maire adjoint) of Pontault-Combault, a suburb on the outskirts of Paris.

Anantharajah, the daughter of Tamil refugees who fled the war in Sri Lanka, began her political journey at the age of 19 as a city councillor. She has since gained recognition for her dedication, grassroots engagement, and commitment to public service.

Following her success in the recent municipal elections, she was appointed Deputy Mayor in March 2026, where she is expected to focus on local governance and community development.

Her family is originally from Kayts in the Jaffna District, a background she credits for shaping her strong interest in politics and public service.

Prior to her appointment, Anantharajah served as Municipal Councillor for Youth from 2020 to 2026. In that role, she led several initiatives for residents aged 11 to 17, including the “Quartier Jeunes” programme and awareness workshops focusing on environmental issues and disability inclusion.