Breaking records! Vijitha Herath secures an unprecedented 716,715 votes in Gampaha. Read how NPP reshaped Sri Lanka’s election history in 2024
The 2024 General Election has set new milestones in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history, as Vijitha Herath of the National People’s Power (NPP) shattered records by polling an astonishing 716,715 preferential votes in the Gampaha District. This unprecedented achievement marks the highest number of preference votes ever received by a candidate in the history of Sri Lankan elections.
Earlier today, NPP’s Colombo District candidate and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya made headlines with a historic 655,289 votes, breaking a 2020 record held by former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. However, her record was short-lived as Vijitha Herath’s monumental vote count now stands as the new benchmark.
Dominance of National People’s Power (NPP) in Gampaha
The NPP demonstrated overwhelming support, securing 16 out of 19 seats in the Gampaha District, showcasing its growing popularity and influence. The opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), managed to win only three seats through Harshana Rajakaruna, Kavinda Jayawardena, and Amila Prasad.
NPP Gampaha Preferential Votes Breakdown
- Vijitha Herath – 716,715
- Anil Jayantha – 162,433
- Mahinda Jayasinghe – 137,315
- Krishantha Abeysena – 121,825
- Muneer Mulafar – 109,815
- Ashoka Ranwala – 109,332
- Dharmappriya Wijesinghe – 83,061
- Ruwan Mapalagama – 78,673
- Lasith Bashana – 74,058
- Prageeth Maduranga – 70,887
- Champika Hettiarachchi – 70,373
- Ruwanthilake Jayakodi – 68,210
- Hemali Weerasekara – 66,737
- Upali Abeywickrama – 60,595
- Stephani Fernando – 57,634
- Chaminda Lalith Kumara – 53,451
SJB Gampaha Preferential Votes Breakdown
- Harshana Rajakaruna – 67,004
- Kavinda Jayawardena – 37,595
- Amila Prasad – 23,699
The results not only highlight the NPP’s dominance in Gampaha but also reflect a significant shift in voter dynamics across the nation.
Breaking the Record Books
The record-breaking performances of both Vijitha Herath and Harini Amarasuriya signify a transformative moment in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Both leaders exceeded Mahinda Rajapaksa’s 2020 record of 527,364 votes, signaling widespread public support for the NPP’s vision and policies.
What’s Next for Sri Lanka’s Politics?
The Gampaha results underline the NPP’s growing momentum as they move forward with a significant parliamentary presence. As political analysts closely watch the evolving dynamics, the NPP’s remarkable performance in this election sets the stage for a new era in Sri Lankan governance.