The inaugural meeting of the newly elected Nattandiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) descended into chaos, on Monday, after opposition council members protested against the playing of the NPP’s campaign theme song “Rata Anurata” instead of the national anthem.
Representatives of the SJB and the SLPP demanded an explanation from the PS Chairman (NPP) and Deputy Chairman (NPP). Both of them were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, which only intensified tensions in the chamber. The meeting spiralled into disorder, prompting the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Nattandiya Police Station resent at the meeting to intervene in an effort to restore order.
Puttalam District NPP MP Gayan Janaka accused opposition members of sabotaging the session and claimed that the NPP could have secured two more seats if it had engaged in vote-buying practices such as supplying free liquor — a tactic he alleged was employed by rival parties.
His remarks sparked further outrage, with opposition members demanding that the OIC clarify whether any of them was under investigation for illegal alcohol distribution or criminal conduct. The heated exchange escalated to the point that the OIC asked several members to leave the council chamber, which in turn led to loud protests and verbal altercations.
The NPP later claimed that the decision to play “Rata Anurata” was not taken by the party itself but was instead made by the Divisional Secretary as part of the event’s planning, party sources added.