Sri Lanka, Jan. 18 -- Former Minister Nandana Gunathilake has passed away at the age of 64.

He died early this morning (18) while receiving treatment at the Ragama Teaching Hospital for a prolonged illness.

Gunathilake was a former frontliner of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and served as the party's candidate in the 1999 Presidential Election, where he secured the third-highest number of votes.

He represented the Kalutara District in Parliament from 2000 to 2010.

In the latter part of his career, he moved away from the JVP and joined the United National Party (UNP), eventually serving as the Mayor of Panadura.

He also held ministerial portfolios, including tourism and posts, during his tenure with the United People's Freedom ...