Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has officially announced his retirement from politics after his defeat in the 2024 General Election. The announcement was made during a press conference held on October 16 at the Nawalapitiya Mahindananda Aluthgamage Foundation office.
Aluthgamage reflected on his family’s deep-rooted political legacy, which spanned seven decades in the Nawalapitiya Constituency. He himself had served in active politics for over 30 years. However, the recent election results, he said, made it clear that the people of the Kandy District no longer required his political service.
In this election, Aluthgamage contested under the New Democratic Front’s gas cylinder symbol for the Kandy District. He received only 20,401 votes, a significant drop from the nearly 200,000 votes he had garnered in previous elections. Acknowledging this stark decline, Aluthgamage stated, “The people have spoken, and their message is clear. I have decided to retire from politics.”
During the press conference, he spoke about the challenges he faced throughout his political career. Aluthgamage noted that he had endured relentless criticism and defamation from various individuals and media outlets but had remained steadfast in his commitment to serving the people of his constituency.
Expressing gratitude, he thanked everyone who supported him during his political journey, as well as those who did not, recognizing that all interactions had shaped his career. He also acknowledged his constituents for giving him the opportunity to serve them for decades.
The event was attended by a large gathering of party members, supporters, and well-wishers, marking an emotional farewell to Aluthgamage’s three-decade-long political career. His decision to step down is seen as a significant moment in the political landscape of the Kandy District, where his influence had been prominent for years.
Although he did not elaborate on his future plans, Aluthgamage’s departure signals the end of an era for his family’s enduring political legacy in Nawalapitiya.
