Charith Gunawardena
- Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Southgate and Wood Green Constituency
- Former local councillor for Enfield Council 2018-22 (Green Party from May 2021)
- Director, Enfield Enterprise (Small Business Advisor)
- Retired director of a high-tech global manufacturing company (for 27 years)
- Co-Founder, Institute for Political Economy (Think tank)
- Resigned as a Labour councillor in protest of harmful local policies and poor governance of Labour party
- Enfield resident for nearly 30 years.
Why Vote for me?
In the upcoming general election, our choice transcends mere political affiliations; it’s about shaping the trajectory of our nation towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Electing Green Party MPs signifies a commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social justice.
As someone deeply invested in these values, I see an opportunity to make a significant contribution to our political landscape. While recent polls may predict a Labour Party victory, concerns linger about its ideological direction and ability to address pressing issues like climate change and social inequality. The effectiveness of the opposition is also questioned amidst a perceived rightward shift within the Conservative party.
If elected, I bring a progressive voice, an alternative perspective, and a dedicated commitment to address urgent social and ecological challenges. My experience as a local councillor in the London Borough of Enfield, where I challenged council policies on housing and environmental issues, demonstrates my proactive approach to addressing community needs.
With a background in high-tech manufacturing and as a director of a not-for-profit enterprise supporting small and medium-sized businesses, I offer a unique blend of business acumen and social responsibility. My academic credentials in engineering and business further equip me to navigate complex policy issues and advocate for evidence-based solutions.
Having lived in the Southgate ward of Enfield for three decades, I am deeply connected to the community and understand the local concerns firsthand. I am eager to represent the Southgate and Wood Green constituency, bringing forth ideas and initiatives that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet.
In this pivotal moment, as we stand at the crossroads of our nation’s future, I urge constituents of Southgate and Wood Green to consider the values and vision that I embody. Together, we can forge a path towards a more resilient, compassionate, and sustainable society. Your vote for me as the Member of Parliament for the Southgate and Wood Green constituency is a vote for positive change, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to be part of that change.
Fighting for a better world
SCRUTINISING: Author of Enfield Council Scrutiny Workstream report that highlighted failures of the £6bn regeneration program.
CHALLENGING: Highlighted environmental impact of development project despite obstacles being placed.
EXPOSING: Calling out for reforms to global multilateral organisations that is failing countries of the Global South.
Party Politics & The Role Of The Councillor
Interview with Cllr Charith Gunawardena on GlobalNet21 (3 June 2021)
In this webinar with Charith Gunawardena GlobalNet21 discusses the role of the Councillor and how important it is for Councillors to be free to develop innovative ideas and to engage openly with their communities.
Frances Searley talks to Cllr Gunawardena about this and his views on housing, the need to have adequate consultation with communities and the importance of holding Council decision makers to account especially through scrutiny.