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In a dramatic political rift, six National People’s Power (NPP) members have declared independence from the party following internal pressure to oust newly elected Norwood Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman John Francis Allen. The rebellion exposes growing friction between local representatives and central leadership, shaking the party’s unity ahead of key elections.
A major internal shakeup has hit the National People’s Power (NPP) as six of its council members have announced their decision to act as independent MPs. This bold move comes amid mounting frustration over the party’s demand that John Francis Allen, who was recently elected as Chairman of the Norwood Pradeshiya Sabha, resign from his position.
Allen secured the chairman’s post with 12 votes, backed by five members from the Tamil Progressive Party. His opponent, Kanapathi Kulandavel Ravi of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), managed only 7 votes. Despite Allen’s clear victory, the NPP leadership specifically its Nuwara Eliya District Group Leader, Manjula Suraweerarachchi reportedly ordered Allen to step down in favor of a prior agreement with the CWC.
According to internal sources, this controversial instruction triggered deep dissatisfaction among local NPP members, who felt they were being undermined and threatened by the party hierarchy. The rebel MPs accused party leaders of violating democratic processes and disregarding the will of the local electorate.
Suraweerarachchi allegedly told party members they had no authority to act against the party’s strategic decision, which had promised the chairmanship to a CWC nominee and the vice-chairmanship to the NPP. His stance was seen as heavy-handed, sparking accusations of authoritarianism from within party ranks.
As tensions boiled over, the six NPP councillors decided to sever formal ties with the party and serve independently. Their defiance underscores a growing conflict between the grassroots base and NPP’s central command, revealing the fragility of intra-party democracy.
The fallout could have significant implications for the NPP’s political credibility, particularly in regions like Nuwara Eliya, where ethnic and alliance politics play a crucial role. It also raises questions about party discipline, transparency, and respect for the democratic outcome of local elections.
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