Mahindananda’s Shadow Looms Over Nawalapitiya

 

Mahindananda Aluthgamage may be a convicted former minister with a clouded political past, but in Nawalapitiya, his influence still burns with surprising vitality — and, to some, undeniable charisma.

This morning, an unlikely alliance between two independent groups took control of the Nawalapitiya Urban Council, sidelining the more established political parties. At the center of this maneuvering, observers say, is Aluthgamage — a man many label corrupt, yet whose political instincts remain razor-sharp.

A battle for Power 

In a tight vote during the Council’s inaugural meeting, former chairman Amal Priyankara, now contesting under Independent Group 02, was re-elected with nine votes. His deputy, K. Sureshwaran of Independent Group 01, also secured nine votes. The pair now lead a fragmented 15-member council, where no single group holds a majority.

Independent Group 02, backed by Aluthgamage, and Independent Group 01 pooled their resources, forming a surprise coalition that outmaneuvered the National People’s Power (NPP), the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the United National Front (UNF). The NPP’s candidates, Tilak Amarasiri Sirisena for chairman and Hewage Prasanna for deputy, received just five votes each — representing their own bloc.

The final breakdown of the council reveals the complexity of the political landscape: five members from the NPP, five from Independent Group 02, two from Independent Group 01, two from the SJB, and one from the UNF.

The sudden consolidation of power by the independents is being widely interpreted as a political comeback — not for a candidate, but for a kingmaker. Aluthgamage, despite his conviction and ongoing legal challenges, is believed to have orchestrated the coalition behind the scenes. His role, though unofficial, is unmistakable to local insiders.

“He may be toxic to the national conversation, but locally, people still listen to Mahindananda,” said a senior political analyst in Kandy. “He knows how to read a room, build a coalition, and deliver results — charisma still counts for something, even when your hands are dirty.”

Critics, especially those aligned with the NPP, were quick to condemn the development, framing it as a hijacking of democratic intent by political puppeteering. “This is not a victory for the people — it’s a victory for backroom deals,” said one NPP organizer.

Still, for many in Nawalapitiya, where party loyalties often blur with personal networks and local alliances, the result underscores a timeless truth of Maladewan politics: influence, not ideology, wins councils.

And in this game, Mahindananda Aluthgamage — flawed, controversial, yet undeniably cunning — still knows how to play.