Negombo Municipal Mayor Resigns

17-Jul-2026

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Negombo Municipal Mayor, Attorney Robert Heenkenda, who served under the administration of the National People's Power (NPP), has resigned from both his position as Mayor and as a member of the Municipal Council.

He submitted his letter of resignation to the Municipal Commissioner on August 17, 2026.

Attorney Heenkenda has stated that his decision to step down was based on personal reasons. Although he had announced his intention to resign on several previous occasions, he later withdrew those decisions. However, on this occasion, he has officially resigned from office.

Following his resignation, it is reported that the current Deputy Mayor, Samara Fernando, will be appointed Mayor, while Attorney M.N.M. Basheer, a National People's Power council member, is expected to be appointed Deputy Mayor.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the resignation was prompted by political pressure from the senior leadership of the National People's Power in the Gampaha District.