The Colombo Municipal Council’s inaugural budget proposal for 2026, presented by the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated by a margin of three votes at the council session.

The budget secured 57 votes in favour, while 60 councillors voted against it, according to an Ada Derana reporter.

The outcome hinged on the votes of two members of Sarvajana Balaya, whose decision proved decisive in rejecting the NPP-led administration’s budget.

At the most recent Local Government Elections, the NPP gained control of the Colombo Municipal Council, with its mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazar elected Mayor of Colombo after securing 61 votes.