After the conclusion of the Local Government elections, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has become the focal point of post-election manoeuvring as parties scramble to form a new administration. The United National Party (UNP), which secured 13 councillors, has pledged support to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), boosting the opposition’s efforts to take control of the council with SJB MP Mujibur Rahman confirming talks with other parties to build a majority.
Although the National People’s Power (NPP) emerged as the largest single bloc with 48 of 117 seats, it remains short of the 60 needed for majority rule. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala expressed confidence that the NPP could still form the administration, saying negotiations with councillors are in progress.
Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake clarified that a lack of majority poses no barrier to forming an administration. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also pledged to respect the people’s mandate and lead a united, democratic effort. Meanwhile, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna General Secretary Tilvin Silva stated that the National People’s Power (NPP) will not form coalitions with parties rejected by the people, emphasising that only the party with the majority should establish councils
Nationwide, the NPP won 3,927 seats and leads in 266 councils, solidifying its status as a key political force. There were 17,156,338 registered voters for the elections, and the turnout was approximately 60 per cent, according to the Elections Commission.
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