Local Government Election 2025: Tense Battle Between NPP and SJB for Securing Colombo Mayoral Post

A tense political contest has emerged between the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) over securing the coveted mayoral post of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), following the results of the 2025 Local Government Election.

The NPP emerged as the largest single party in the council, securing 48 out of the 117 seats. Despite this significant gain, the party fell short of the 60-seat threshold required to independently appoint a Mayor and Deputy Mayor, paving the way for coalition talks and rival claims to leadership.

The SJB came in second with 29 seats, while the United National Party (UNP) obtained 13.

Other parties and groups also gained representation:

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): 5 seats
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC): 4 seats
Independent Group 03: 3 seats
Sarvajana Balaya Party: 2 seats
Independent Groups 04 and 05: 2 seats each
Several smaller parties and independent groups—including the National Freedom Front, Podujana Peramuna, Democratic National Alliance, National People’s Front, United Republican Front, and Independent Groups 01 and 02—won one seat each.

With no party achieving an outright majority, intense political negotiations are underway as both the NPP and SJB attempt to form a working majority with the support of other parties and independent councillors.

SJB Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman told BBC Sinhala that his party is in discussions with other opposition groups to form the administration.

“We’re working to form the council’s administration by aligning with other parties. The NPP has 48 seats, but 60 are needed to form a majority,” Rahuman said, adding that the UNP has already agreed to support the SJB’s effort to establish council control.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala confirmed that the NPP is also in talks with elected councillors.

“We’re not giving up on the CMC. We have the largest group in the Colombo Municipal Council. There’s no other group that matches us. While we may lack a few seats, discussions are ongoing with certain councillors—regardless of party lines,” Watagala said.

The NPP has nominated Vraie Cally Balthazaar as its mayoral candidate, while the SJB has put forward Ruvaiz Haniffa.