The National People’s Power (NPP) secured control of the Galle Municipal Council today (20), with its candidate elected as Mayor following a tense inaugural session.

The meeting, held under the patronage of the Provincial Commissioner of Local Government, was convened to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the council. However, disagreements over the voting method sparked unrest within the chamber.

A vote was first held to decide whether the mayoral election should be conducted by secret ballot or open vote. Of the councillors present, 19 supported a secret ballot while 17 favoured an open vote. Following the decision to proceed with a secret ballot, tensions escalated, prompting several councillors representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to walk out in protest.

As the situation grew heated, police were called in to maintain order, and the session was adjourned for 30 minutes.

Once the session resumed, the secret ballot was held with full quorum. The NPP candidate was elected Mayor with 19 votes.

Meanwhile, in a notable development, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) secured the position of Deputy Mayor, with the support of the NPP.