With most Councils now selecting Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Chairpersons, the early pattern is clear: the NPP is converting its election night lead into working control, while the SJB’s coalition arithmetic is being undone by defections and silence in the voting booth.
The National People’s Power (NPP) is tightening its hold on the country’s local authorities even as Municipal, Urban and Pradeshiya Sabhas meet to elect their leadership, despite noisy predictions from the Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) that it would seize control wherever the NPP lacked an outright majority.
SJB strategists had banked on stitching together coalitions with the United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) and assorted Independents. But many of those partners either walked away or backed the NPP in secret ballots, leaving SJB calculations in tatters.
Led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the National People’s Power (NPP) emerged from the 2025 Local Government elections with 4,503,930 votes (43.26 per cent) and 3,927 seats. It secured control of 266 Councils—comprising 23 Municipal Councils, 26 Urban Councils and 217 Pradeshiya Sabhas—yet still fell short of an outright majority in several high-profile bodies, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).
Despite this, the NPP has so far succeeded in forming administrations in more than 30 local authorities where it failed to win an outright majority. These include the Municipal Councils of Colombo, Ratnapura, Kurunegala and Nuwara Eliya.
The party has also secured control of several Pradeshiya Sabhas—including Uva Paranagama, Haldummulla, Meegahakiwula, Medawachchiya, Kobeigane, Madadumbara, Ududumbara, Minipe, Panduwasnuwara, Dambulla, Galewela, Welikanda, Kalpitiya, Vavuniya South, Haputale, Dehiowita, Horowpathana, Kandaketiya and Soranathota.
Moreover, the NPP has secured the Vice Chairmanships in Pradeshiya Sabhas such as Agarapathana, Kotagala and Nuwara Eliya, where other political parties hold the majority—indicating its growing influence even in councils beyond its direct control.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Sajith Premadasa, had grand aspirations of forming coalitions to take control of the Councils where the NPP did not secure a majority. They envisioned alliances with parties such as the United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK). However, their plans were thwarted when some coalition partners betrayed them at the last minute, with members walking out or secretly voting against them. This political treachery left the SJB scrambling to regroup and salvage their ambitions.
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) became the epicentre of this political drama. With 117 seats up for grabs, the NPP secured 48, while the SJB obtained 29. The remaining seats were divided among other parties, leaving no clear majority. Both the NPP and SJB engaged in intense negotiations, attempting to sway members from smaller parties and independents to their side. Despite their efforts, the SJB’s Mayoral candidate failed to secure enough support, and the NPP claimed the mandate to form the administration.
SJB, few tiles short
This unexpected downpour has well and truly rained on the SJB’s picnic. One might wonder whether the party is, metaphorically speaking, a few tiles short of a full roof—certainly, that’s a question it ought to be asking itself.
The SJB leadership has apparently misread the loyalties of minor party members and Independents. The breakdown of secret ballots revealed defections or betrayals, suggesting poor coordination and inadequate political groundwork.
After failing to secure control of the Colombo Municipal Council, SJB has opted to blame the umpire for losing the game. In this instance- Western Province Commissioner Sarangika Kalhari Jayasundara, who presided over the secret ballot that ended with NPP nominee Vraîe Cally Balthazaar being elected Mayor of Colombo.
The SJB blamed Western Province Commissioner Sarangika Kalhari Jayasundara and threatened legal action over the use of secret ballots—despite it being a legal requirement under the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance. This has been criticised as deflecting responsibility instead of confronting political shortcomings.
The election of the Mayor of Colombo on June 16, 2025 was conducted under the legal framework established by the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), as amended by the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act No. 22 of 2012. This legislation clearly states that in the absence of a single party or independent group securing an outright majority in a local authority, key leadership positions—including that of Mayor—must be filled via a secret ballot held at the first meeting of the newly constituted council.
Accordingly, the Colombo mayoral election proceeded entirely in line with these legal provisions, ensuring a process that was both fair and transparent.
Secret ballots
Despite this, SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman alleged that a “deal” had been struck to hold a secret vote instead of what he called a more “transparent” open vote. He said that while the SJB had pressed for an open ballot, the NPP secured a secret vote by cutting last-minute arrangements with other factions. Even if such political manoevering took place—which is not uncommon in local politics—it bears no relevance to the legality of the voting procedure itself. The outcome may have disappointed the SJB, but the process strictly followed the requirements of the governing law.
He had said that “the Government may claim a triumph — but we know there’s something sinister at play. Those who struck a deal with the President will soon be exposed.”
Yes, he may expose that , and preferably with their strategy that became dead in the water during the secret ballot which they have vehemently opposed.
A secret ballot is a cornerstone of democratic elections for citizens. Extending the same principle to internal council votes is seen as consistent with the values of democratic governance. The secret ballots are defended in a democracy. They allow Councillors to vote according to their conscience without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or pressure from party leaders, political allies, or interest groups. This is especially important in local governments, where elected members often come from diverse political backgrounds and coalition arrangements.
Experts said that public voting can encourage coercion, deal-making under duress, or the buying of visible loyalty. Secret ballots reduce this risk by ensuring anonymity.
Secret ballots are not without its critics. Critics said that elected officials should be accountable to the public for how they vote, especially when deciding on leadership roles or passing major Council resolutions. Secret ballots can make it difficult for voters to evaluate whether their representatives are honouring party platforms or public promises.
Some political scientists said that secret ballots can obscure political horse-trading or betrayal within coalitions. SJB is not the only political party that has experienced this. It allows Councilors to switch loyalties without consequence.
What SJB has experienced under the circumstances has been erosion of party discipline. That’s why SJB leadership has started suspending certain members of their party.
Galle MC
The National People’s Power (NPP) secured the Mayoral post of the Galle Municipal Council despite the Opposition collectively holding more seats. The vote, held on June 20, was conducted under the supervision of Southern Province Commissioner of Local Government, Erandi Umanga Mendis.
The 36-member Galle Municipal Council was evenly divided, with the NPP and the Opposition each holding 17 seats. A secret ballot held during the inaugural council session resulted in NPP Councillor Sunil Gamage being elected Mayor. One vote was declared invalid.
The outcome triggered a walkout by 16 Opposition Councillors representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), United National Party (UNP), and People’s Joint Party (PJP), leading to heightened tensions in the chamber. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Councillor Priyantha Sahabandu was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor.
Kolonnawa UC
They suspended the party membership of Susil Kumara Costa, a member elected with the highest number of votes in the Kolonnawa Urban Council. Costa had expressed his support for NPP to form the Kolonnawa Urban Council.
SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara announced disciplinary action against him through a statement. The SJB statement said that the decision was taken due to Costa’s actions were not in accordance with the directives of the Party Management Committee and the Party Working Committee with regard to appointing the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Kolonnawa Council.
The NPP had nine seats in the Kolonnawa Urban Council, while the Opposition had ten. However, in light of the situation that arose, nine Opposition members left the House, while Susil Kumara Costa remained in the House and expressed support for the NPP. Accordingly, in the secret ballot held, NPP’s Dhammika Wijayamuni as elected as the Chairman of the Kolonnawa UC, securing 10 votes. The position of Vice Chairman went to Saman Seneviratne.
Nuwara Eliya MC
The NPP has taken control of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council- here with the support from two Ceylon Workers’ Congress members. At the last Local Government elections, the NPP won 12 seats in the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, SJB won four , UNP three, Independent Groups won three seats in the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, the Ceylon Workers’ Congress won two and SLPP one. At the inaugural Council meeting of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council held last Wednesday, presided over by Central Local Government Commissioner A.M.K.P.K. Chamila Atapattu, Upali Waliyasekara of the National People’s Power was elected as the new Mayor of Nuwara Eliya securing 14 votes.
Kuliyapitiya UC
A heated dispute broke out ahead of the Kuliyapitiya Urban Council leadership vote, with multiple political figures reportedly assaulted during a tense pre-election meeting at a hotel. The altercation occurred on the eve of Thursday’s Council vote, where SJB member Gamini Karunaratne was elected Chairman and Wilfred Silva of the United National Party (UNP) appointed Deputy Chairman.
According to Kuliyapitiya Police, several Mayoral candidates, former Mayors, and local electoral organisers were attacked during the incident. Witnesses said tensions flared when Councillor Buddhika Mahesh suddenly declared during the discussion that he too wanted to contest for the chairmanship. Chairman-elect Karunaratne told reporters later that the situation escalated after Mahesh’s declaration, leading to a physical altercation.
He alleged that Mahesh was directly involved in the attack. Several prominent political figures—including former Ministers Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Nalin Bandara, and Upali Piyasoma—were present when the incident unfolded.
According to local sources, the clash stemmed from ongoing negotiations between the SJB and the UNP over control of the Kuliyapitiya Urban Council. Police are investigating the incident.
Pahatha Hewaheta, Bingiriya
The SJB successfully established control of the Pahatha Hewaheta and Bingiriya Pradeshiya Sabhas on Thursday, following closely contested votes.
In Pahatha Hewaheta, SJB candidate K.S.P. Rajanayake was elected Chairman with 23 votes. His support came from 12 SJB Councillors, three from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), three from the Podujana Eksath Peramuna, and two from the United National Party (UNP). Two Councillors from the Sarvajana Balaya and one from the United National Alliance reportedly voted in his favour.
The NPP candidate received 19 votes, including support from a member of an Independent group. This was a good result for SJB.
SJB under pressure
Despite all this, the SJB’s leadership—particularly party leader Sajith Premadasa—is under pressure to reassess its coalition-building approach, improve coordination with allies, and deliver results that reflect its standing as the main Opposition force. Critics said that the SJB leadership failed to secure working majorities through coalitions, even in councils where the NPP fell short.
There’s frustration that, despite months of negotiations and boasting of alliances with the UNP, SLPP and other groups, the SJB was outmanoeuvred by the NPP in Colombo, Ratnapura, and Kurunegala.
The NPP consistently maintained that it has a moral and democratic mandate to establish control of Local Counils where it emerged as the single largest party, even if the combined Opposition vote share exceeds 50 percent. The SJB should have known that NPP as a political party would have had its own strategy to collect the councilors for other political parties and the the independents to establish its power in the councils.
Proof
The NPP said that in a multi-party democracy, governance legitimacy at the local level should be based on which party won the most votes or seats—not on post-election coalitions cobbled together by rival parties. They stress that the NPP, having secured the highest number of votes and Councillors in many local bodies, has the people’s mandate to form the administration.
“If the people gave us the highest number of votes in a Council, we have the right to lead that Council, not those who came together after the election to gang up against the people’s verdict,” is the essence of what NPP leaders, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, have publicly stated.
The NPP’s stance is rooted in a political and moral argument—that the largest party deserves to lead—while the Opposition asserts a numerical and procedural logic, emphasizing that any party or coalition with more than 50 percent of seats is entitled to govern.
However, the NPP acknowledged that establishing power through coalition approach are legally permissible under the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance when no party holds a majority. They stress that voters did not endorse these ad hoc alliances. They have also insisted on adhering to the law, including the use of secret ballots, as the legitimate way to resolve leadership selection in hung councils.
The SJB sees the NPP’s actions as proof that its “clean politics” image is performative, and that in practice, it is just as willing to play the numbers game to gain power. This line of attack is central to the SJB’s current messaging, especially as it struggles to form administrations in many key local bodies.
The NPP, in response, maintains that they are forming administrations based on being the largest party and winning legally mandated secret ballots, which reflect the Councillors’ free will.
