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NPP wins most LG bodies but sees drop in vote share: Hung councils raise concern

Published

11 months ago

2025/05/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

SJB trying to take control of CMC

Govt. suffers set back in N&E

SLPP records significant increase in votes but fails to win single body

The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) secured 266 out of 339 local government bodies at the May 6 election but suffered a setback in the northern and eastern regions as the Illankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) won 42 local authorities.

The ITAK and SLMC secured 37 and 05 local government bodies, respectively, although President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally led the NPP’s campaign in the former war zone. The National Congress won the Akkaraipattu MC. In the last parliamentary election held in Nov. 2014, the NPP won all electoral districts, except Batticaloa.

The NPP obtained 4,503,930 votes countrywide whereas in the last parliamentary election it received 6,863,186 votes; there has been a drop of 2,359,256 votes.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) won 13 local government bodies, but the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) failed to secure any.

The SLPP obtained 954,517 votes and 742 seats, accounting for 9.17% of the national vote. In a post on X, SLPP’s National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa said: “Over the past six months, the SLPP has regrouped and gained momentum by staying true to our principles. While some rely on false promises, we remain committed to honest, principled politics that put the people first. Thank you to everyone who stood by us. This is just the beginning. We will keep working, village by village, to rebuild and restore trust in real leadership.” The SLPP polled only 350,429 votes in last year’s general election.

In the 2018 LG polls, the SLPP won 231 councils. That was the first time the government of the day failed to win mini polls. Yahapalana partners, UNP and SLFP, having contested separately, suffered a debilitating setback.

In spite of the massive campaign carried out by the NPP, targeting the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), the ruling party failed to secure an overall majority there. The NPP polled 81,000 votes to obtain 48 seats whereas the SJB and UNP polled 58,375 (29 seats) and 26,297 (13 seats) votes, respectively. The SLPP (05), SLMC (04), United Republican Front (01), United Peace Alliance (02), Sarvajana Balaya (02), and National People’s Party, National Freedom Front, People’s

Alliance and Democratic National Alliance one each.

In addition to political parties, five Independent Groups shared the remaining 09 seats of the CMC.

With no party holding a clear majority, the next Colombo Mayor will need to be elected through a Council vote.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara told a hastily arranged media conference that the SJB intended to elect an SJBer as Colombo Mayor with the help of the other Opposition parties. The former Minister said that the SJB would cooperate with the other parties in the Opposition regarding the appointment of Mayors and Chairmen of the hung local councils.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the House, Bimal Ratnayake, has said those who won local government bodies in the Northern Province but without absolute majorities have sought NPP support to form administrations.

Addressing a separate media briefing, JVP General Secretary, Tilvin Silva, declared that the ruling party wouldn’t, under any circumstances, form coalitions with those who had been rejected by the people.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)