[2][4] After completing his education, Thondaman initially interned at a law firm in London before returning to Sri Lanka to assist his father in political and trade union work.
The five-day funeral, which drew large crowds, was condemned by professional bodies like the GMOA, which warned of a potential second wave of COVID-19, and the Public Health Inspectors' Union, which threatened legal action if the event caused a new infection cluster.
Political opponents, such as Letchumanar Sanjay from the SJB, deemed the lavish event inappropriate given local economic hardships, including student dropouts and food insecurity, and questioned the use of taxpayer funds.
He was the first Sri Lankan Minister to receive this honour, which acknowledges his work in improving access to clean water and advocating for social justice.
[27] In May 2024, Thondaman became embroiled in a legal controversy involving the Pedro Tea Factory, owned by Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, after allegedly entering the facility with supporters, threatening management, and detaining the CEO to demand the reinstatement of suspended workers.