The 2024 General Election marked a seismic shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, as many prominent former ministers and influential political figures failed to secure seats in Parliament. The results signal a dramatic departure from the status quo, with voters opting for change and fresh leadership.
Colombo District
Several high-profile candidates faced unexpected defeats in Colombo. Susil Premajayantha, a seasoned politician, and Premanath C. Dolawatta, both representing the New Democratic Front (NDF), were unable to secure parliamentary seats. Mano Ganesan and Eran Wickramaratne from the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) also lost their mandates. Sarath Weerasekera, who contested under the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), was another significant figure to face defeat.
Gampaha and Kalutara Districts
Gampaha saw notable losses, including former ministers Nimal Lanza, Nalin Fernando, and Lasantha Alagiyawanna of the NDF. Popular SLPP figures Indika Anuruddha and Prasanna Ranaweera also failed to secure seats. In Kalutara, Rajitha Senaratne, Vidura Wickramanayake, and Piyal Nishantha, all of the NDF, were defeated, along with Roshan Ranasinghe of the SLPP.
Other Key Districts
In Anuradhapura, high-profile candidates Professor Channa Jayasumana and Milan Jayathilaka, both former MPs, lost their bids. In Kandy, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Velu Kumar from the NDF were defeated. Meanwhile, in Badulla, Nimal Siripala de Silva (NDF) and Harin Fernando (SJB), both recognized figures, failed to retain their seats.
Tamil-Majority Districts
Northern and Eastern provinces also witnessed major upsets. M.A. Sumanthiran of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and Douglas Devananda of the EPDP lost their seats in Jaffna. In Batticaloa, Sivaneshthurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillaiyan, from the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal Party, was defeated.
Notable Female Politicians
Prominent women candidates also faced setbacks. Rosy Senanayake, a former Colombo mayor contesting under the NDF, lost her seat. Rajika Wickramasinghe, who ran as an independent popular candidate, also failed to secure enough votes.
Widespread Defeats Across Party Lines
Key SLPP figures like Udaya Gammanpila, Dilum Amunugama, Kanchana Wijesekera, and Nipuna Ranawaka were among those defeated, highlighting the party’s significant loss of voter trust. From the NDF, candidates like Mahinda Amaraweera, Ajith Rajapaksa, and Premalal Jayasekara also failed to secure seats.
The SJB saw major setbacks as well, with figures like Tissa Attanayake, Wasantha Yapa Bandara, and Buddhika Pathirana losing. Meanwhile, United Democratic Voice candidates like Ranjan Ramanayake and T.M. Dilshan also failed to win.
Regional Disruptions
Other notable losses included Sagala Ratnayake, Shashindra Rajapaksa (Monaragala district), Pavitra Wanniarachchi (Ratnapura district), and Arundika Fernando (Puttalam district).
Voter Message and Future Implications
The defeat of so many seasoned politicians and influential figures highlights a growing discontent among voters toward traditional political elites. Many of these individuals held significant power in previous governments but faced criticism over governance and accountability.
The National People’s Force (NPF) emerged as a dominant political force, securing 159 seats and sweeping across multiple districts, reflecting a demand for new leadership and policies. This election serves as a clear message from the public: they are ready for change, and established figures must adapt to remain relevant in Sri Lanka’s shifting political climate.
