Chinthaka Hewapathirana, representing the National People’s Power, was today elected Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha following a closely contested vote.

At the election held today, Hewapathirana secured 22 votes in favour, while 21 members voted against him, giving him a narrow one-vote majority.

With this result, control of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha has shifted to the National People’s Power.

The post of Chairman fell vacant following the assassination of former Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, who was shot dead inside the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman’s official office on 22 October.