The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has suspended the party membership of Narahenpitage Susil Kumara Costa, who was elected to the Kolonnawa Urban Council with the highest number of preferential votes from the party.

This was announced through an official statement signed by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

According to the statement, Costa’s membership was suspended with immediate effect for failing to act in accordance with the decisions made by the party’s Management Committee and Executive Committee during the appointment of the Kolonnawa Urban Council’s Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

A tense situation arose during the first sitting of the Kolonnawa Urban Council held this morning (18), where all members of the Opposition walked out in protest, leaving Costa as the only one who remained. He extended his support to the National People’s Power (NPP), effectively handing control of the Kolonnawa Urban Council to the NPP.

As a result, Dhammika Wijayamuni of the NPP was elected Chairperson, while Saman Senewiratne was appointed Deputy Chairperson.