SLPP suspends Galle deputy mayor’s party membership

Colombo, June 20 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has suspended the party membership of Priyantha Godagama Sahabandu, who was recently elected as the Deputy Mayor of the Galle Municipal Council.

The suspension was announced through an official statement issued by SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. The statement further noted that disciplinary action would be initiated against Sahabandu for disregarding party directives.

According to the SLPP, clear instructions had been issued to its council members regarding the procedures to be followed in the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. However, the party claims these instructions were ignored during the council session, resulting in Priyantha Godagama’s appointment as Deputy Mayor in violation of party guidelines.

The incident follows the election of National People’s Power (NPP) councillor Sunil Gamage as the Mayor of the Galle Municipal Council, with reported support from several SLPP members, intensifying internal rifts within the party ranks at local government level.