The Governor of the Northern Province, Nagalingam Vethanayahan has ordered the removal of the Mayor of Vavuniya Municipal Council and the Vice Chairman of Chavakachcheri Urban Council following the conclusion of official inquiries into alleged irregularities.

According to extraordinary gazette notifications issued under the Municipal Councils Ordinance No. 29 of 1947 and the Urban Councils Ordinance No. 61 of 1939, read together with the Provincial Councils (Consequential Provisions) Act No. 12 of 1989, the Governor has announced that he decided remove the individuals after reviewing reports submitted by an Individual Inquiry Board.

The Governor stated that a retired District Judge Kandiah Ariyanayagam had been appointed as Commissioner to conduct investigations into the functioning of both local authorities and to submit findings on their administration.

Based on the inquiry reports, the Governor of the Northern Province said he was satisfied that the Mayor of Vavuniya Municipal Council, Sundaralingam Kandeeban was “not qualified” to continue in office under provisions of the Municipal Councils Ordinance.

In a separate notification, the Governor also stated that the Vice Chairman of the Chavakachcheri Urban Council, G. Kishor, was found to be disqualified under relevant provisions of the Urban Councils Ordinance.

Both officials have been removed from their respective positions with effect from June 24, 2026, along with their membership in the councils.

The decisions were made under statutory powers vested in the Governor through provincial and local government legislation, following what the notifications describe as a detailed examination of the inquiry findings.