Nandana Gunathilake, 63, dies at Ragama Hospital. Explore the complete story of Sri Lanka’s former minister who ran for president in 1999 and served across multiple parties.
Former Presidential Candidate and Minister Dies After Prolonged Illness
Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Sri Lankan political landscape mourns the loss of veteran politician Nandana Gunathilake, who died on January 18, 2026, at age 63 while receiving treatment at Ragama Teaching Hospital after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of a remarkable political career that spanned over four decades and crossed multiple party boundaries.
Early Life and Entry Into Politics
Born on September 7, 1962, in the coastal town of Panadura in the Kalutara District, Nandana Gunathilake grew up during a turbulent period in Sri Lankan history. He received his education at Sri Sumangala College in Panadura, where he developed a strong interest in social justice and political activism.
In 1982, at just 20 years old, Gunathilake joined the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a leftist political party that championed working-class rights and socialist policies. This decision would shape the next two decades of his political life and establish him as one of the most prominent young leaders within the movement.
Rise Within the JVP
During his time with the JVP, Gunathilake worked tirelessly to strengthen the party’s grassroots organization. His dedication and organizational skills earned him the position of Administrative Secretary, one of the most important roles within the party structure. He became known for his ability to connect with ordinary citizens and articulate their concerns in the political arena.
The young politician quickly gained recognition as a passionate advocate for social reform. He traveled extensively throughout Sri Lanka, organizing community meetings, addressing workers’ rights, and building support for the JVP’s vision of a more equitable society.
The 1999 Presidential Campaign: A Historic Milestone
The pinnacle of Gunathilake’s association with the JVP came in 1999 when the party selected him as their presidential candidate. This decision represented a significant moment in Sri Lankan political history, as the JVP sought to expand its influence beyond its traditional base.
Gunathilake’s presidential campaign attracted considerable attention and he secured 344,173 votes, finishing in third place. He competed against political heavyweights including incumbent President Chandrika Kumaratunga and United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Although he did not win the presidency, his campaign demonstrated the growing appeal of leftist politics in Sri Lanka. His third-place finish proved that the JVP had evolved into a major political force capable of challenging the traditional two-party dominance in Sri Lankan politics.
The campaign also showcased Gunathilake’s skills as a communicator and his ability to inspire supporters across different regions and demographics. His message focused on economic justice, anti-corruption measures, and the need for systemic political reform.
Parliamentary Career and Ministerial Positions
Following his presidential bid, Gunathilake’s political career took a new direction. He entered Parliament under the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) banner while still representing the JVP, which had formed a strategic alliance with other left-leaning parties.
He served as a Member of Parliament for the Kalutara District from 2000 to 2010, representing his constituents through three consecutive parliamentary terms during the 11th, 12th, and 13th Parliaments.
During his parliamentary tenure, Gunathilake held several important ministerial positions. In 2009, he served as Minister of Tourism and also held the position of Acting Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. These roles gave him valuable experience in government administration and policy implementation.
As Minister of Tourism, he worked on promoting Sri Lanka as an international destination and developing tourism infrastructure in coastal areas. His background from Panadura, a town with significant tourism potential, informed his approach to this portfolio.
Breaking with the JVP and Joining the UNP
Political careers in Sri Lanka often feature dramatic shifts, and Gunathilake’s journey was no exception. After more than two decades with the JVP, ideological differences led to his departure from the party that had defined his political identity.
In 2015, Gunathilake made the significant decision to leave the JVP and join the United National Party (UNP), marking one of the most controversial moves of his career. This transition represented a fundamental shift from leftist politics to a more centrist, business-friendly platform.
His former comrades viewed his departure as a betrayal of socialist principles. However, Gunathilake maintained that he was seeking new avenues to serve the public and that political parties should evolve with changing circumstances.
Mayor of Panadura: Returning to Local Roots
Following his party switch, Gunathilake returned to his hometown in a leadership capacity. He successfully contested for the position of Mayor of the Panadura Urban Council, representing the UNP. He held this position from April 2018 until March 19, 2023.
As mayor, he focused on improving municipal services, infrastructure development, and addressing the daily concerns of Panadura residents. His local government experience allowed him to directly impact the community where he had grown up and first entered politics.
The role of mayor suited Gunathilake’s hands-on approach to politics. He was frequently seen attending community events, listening to citizen complaints, and working to resolve local issues. His accessibility made him popular among many residents, even those who disagreed with his political evolution.
Later Years and the New Democratic Front
In his final years, Gunathilake continued his pattern of political mobility by associating with the New Democratic Front (NDF). At the time of his death, he served as the UNP Organizer for Panadura, maintaining his connection to both his hometown and his adopted party.
He remained politically active until his final days and recently attracted media attention for speaking out against proposals to reduce pensions for former Members of Parliament. This advocacy demonstrated his continued concern for the welfare of those who had served in public office.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Gunathilake’s health had been declining for some time before his death. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Ragama Hospital, where medical staff provided care during his final days. Family members confirmed that he passed away in the early morning hours of January 18, 2026.
His death at 63 came as sad news to supporters, colleagues, and even political opponents who respected his dedication to public service, regardless of their disagreements with his choices.
Controversial Eulogy Sparks Debate
The response to Gunathilake’s death highlighted the deep divisions his political journey had created. Minister K.D. Lal Kantha, a current JVP leader and former comrade, made controversial remarks about the deceased politician, using mathematical scoring to evaluate his legacy and ultimately calling him “zero”.
These comments sparked widespread criticism on social media and in political circles. Many people, regardless of their political affiliations, felt that such remarks were inappropriate immediately following someone’s death. Critics argued that the comments demonstrated political immaturity and a lack of basic human decency, with many believing that minimum morality should be maintained when someone passes away.
The controversy highlighted the intense emotions surrounding Gunathilake’s departure from the JVP and the lasting impact of political betrayals in Sri Lankan politics.
A Complex Political Legacy
Nandana Gunathilake’s life story reflects the complexity of modern Sri Lankan politics. His journey from dedicated JVP activist to UNP mayor illustrates how political ideologies can evolve and how individuals navigate changing political landscapes.
Early Contributions
Gunathilake made undeniable contributions during his JVP years. He helped build the party’s organizational structure, mentored younger activists, and played a crucial role in the 1999 presidential campaign that elevated the JVP’s national profile. His work as Administrative Secretary strengthened the party’s operations across the country.
Service in Parliament and Government
His parliamentary career demonstrated his ability to work within the system to achieve results. As a minister, he gained practical experience in governance and policy implementation. His work in tourism and telecommunications portfolios showed his versatility and willingness to tackle diverse challenges.
Local Government Leadership
As Mayor of Panadura, he brought his experience and connections to benefit his hometown. Many residents appreciated his efforts to improve local services and his accessibility as a leader who remained connected to grassroots concerns.
Controversial Transitions
However, his political journey also raised questions about loyalty and principle. His departure from the JVP and subsequent moves created divisions and led some to question whether political opportunism motivated his decisions. The harsh criticism from former allies reflects the deep wounds created by these transitions.
Understanding Political Mobility in Sri Lanka
Gunathilake’s story is not unique in Sri Lankan politics, where party-switching is relatively common. Several factors contribute to this pattern:
Ideological Evolution: Politicians’ views genuinely change over time based on experience, changing circumstances, or new perspectives.
Political Survival: The competitive nature of Sri Lankan politics sometimes forces politicians to seek new platforms to remain relevant.
Personal Conflicts: Internal party disputes and personality clashes often drive members to seek new political homes.
Pragmatic Considerations: Politicians may move to parties where they believe they can better serve their constituents or achieve specific goals.
Lessons from a Political Life
Gunathilake’s career offers several important lessons for understanding Sri Lankan politics:
- Early Dedication Matters: His decades of work with the JVP demonstrated genuine commitment to social change, regardless of later controversies.
- Political Labels Are Fluid: The journey from socialist firebrand to centrist mayor shows that political identities are not fixed.
- Local Connections Endure: Despite national political changes, his connection to Panadura remained central to his identity.
- Controversy Follows Change: Political transitions create lasting divisions that can persist beyond one’s lifetime.
- Service Takes Many Forms: Whether as presidential candidate, minister, or mayor, politicians can contribute at different levels.
Impact on Sri Lankan Political Discourse
Gunathilake’s political journey contributed to several important developments in Sri Lankan politics:
His 1999 presidential campaign helped establish the JVP as a serious electoral force, paving the way for the party’s future growth and eventual participation in government.
His ministerial service demonstrated that former revolutionaries could transition into effective government administrators.
His party switches highlighted the fluid nature of Sri Lankan political allegiances and sparked debates about political loyalty versus pragmatism.
His final advocacy on pension issues showed that experienced politicians continue to speak out on important matters affecting their peers.
Reactions from the Political Community
The news of Gunathilake’s death prompted responses from across the political spectrum. While some JVP members remained critical, others acknowledged his early contributions to the party. UNP colleagues mourned the loss of a dedicated organizer and local leader.
Citizens of Panadura, regardless of political affiliation, remembered him as someone who worked for local development and remained accessible to constituents. His efforts to improve municipal services and address community concerns earned him respect at the grassroots level.
Family and Personal Life
Beyond his public persona, Gunathilake was a family man with deep roots in Panadura. Family sources confirmed his death and their grief at losing a loved one. Reports indicated that he faced financial difficulties even in his final days, highlighting the personal costs that can accompany public service.
Funeral Arrangements
Family members announced that they would release details about funeral arrangements following consultations with relatives and political associates. Given his long political career and multiple party affiliations, the funeral was expected to attract mourners from various political backgrounds.
Reflection on Public Service
Nandana Gunathilake’s life reminds us that public service is rarely straightforward. Politicians face difficult choices, evolving circumstances, and competing pressures. They make decisions that please some while disappointing others. They build legacies that include both achievements and controversies.
His story also illustrates the personal toll of political life. The criticism, the changing alliances, and the health struggles he faced show that public service comes with significant costs. Yet despite these challenges, he remained engaged in politics until his final days.
The Broader Context of Sri Lankan Politics
Gunathilake’s career unfolded during a transformative period in Sri Lankan history. He entered politics during the JVP’s second insurgency period, lived through civil war and peace negotiations, witnessed economic liberalization, and saw dramatic shifts in the political landscape.
His journey from revolutionary socialist to mainstream politician mirrors broader changes in Sri Lankan society. As the country evolved economically and politically, many individuals and parties adjusted their positions. Understanding Gunathilake’s choices requires understanding this broader context.
Conclusion: A Life in Politics
Nandana Gunathilake’s death at 63 ends a political career that was nothing if not eventful. From young JVP activist to presidential candidate, from minister to mayor, from socialist to centrist, his journey embodied both the possibilities and controversies of Sri Lankan political life.
History will judge whether his later career moves represented pragmatic evolution or betrayal of principles. What remains undeniable is his dedication to public life, his willingness to take political risks, and his commitment to serving his hometown of Panadura.
As Sri Lanka continues to evolve politically, Gunathilake’s story offers valuable lessons about political mobility, loyalty, service, and the complex motivations that drive individuals to seek public office.
His legacy will be debated by political analysts, historians, and citizens for years to come. Some will remember him as a dedicated public servant who adapted to changing times. Others will view him as someone who abandoned core principles for political convenience. Most likely, the truth contains elements of both perspectives.
What everyone can agree on is that Nandana Gunathilake lived a life deeply engaged with Sri Lankan politics. For better or worse, he made his mark on the country’s political landscape, and his story reflects the challenges and contradictions of political life in modern Sri Lanka.
As family, friends, and former colleagues prepare to say their final goodbyes, the nation reflects on a complicated legacy that spans four decades of political involvement. May he rest in peace.