Former Deputy Minister and former UNP parliamentarian Palitha Thewarapperuma has passed away at the age of 64 years. 

The former Kalutara District MP had died from electrocution while his body has been placed at the Kalutara Hospital. 

A prominent figure of the United National Party (UNP), Thewarapperuam had served as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs in the UNP-led national government in 2015.

He is a former Chairman of the Mathugama Pradeshiya Saba (2002) and was also a member of the Western Provincial Council. He served as a Member of Parliament from Kalutara District during the period from 2010 to 2020. 

He was popular amongst the local masses for his social service activities and philanthropy while the politician also rose to fame, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic for having provided food, dry rations and other necessities to the rural population of his constituency.