SLPP distances itself from former councillor Mahinda Kahandagama

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has categorically rejected claims that former Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama was a member of the party, following his arrest over alleged drug-related offences.

Responding to questions from reporters, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said Kahandagama had never held membership in the SLPP, despite having contested an election under an alliance involving the party. 

Kariyawasam said the SLPP had joined forces with a leftist party during previous local government elections and that Kahandagama had been fielded as a representative nominated by the Nawa Sama Samaja party headed by former MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara.

“He was never a member of the SLPP,” Kariyawasam maintained, saying Kahandagama had been granted a nomination following a request from the allied party.

The SLPP General Secretary’s comments came after Kahandagama was arrested by the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau over alleged possession of ICE narcotics.  

Police said he was arrested near a restaurant in Mirihana and that a quantity of the drug was recovered from his possession. 

Subsequent investigations have also reportedly uncovered footage showing Kahandagama at a gathering in Dubai with individuals allegedly linked to organised drug trafficking. (Newswire)

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