Colombo Municipal Council to Elect New Mayor Tomorrow

A key highlight of the session will be the election of the new Mayor. The National People’s Power (NPP), which secured the highest number of seats 48 in total has nominated Vraie Cally Balthazaar as its candidate. However, with no party achieving an outright majority in the 117-member council, the race remains competitive.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), which won 29 seats, has put forward Riza Farook for the mayoral position and is reportedly receiving support from other opposition parties. The United National Party (UNP) holds 13 seats, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) 5, and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) 4. Independent groups have claimed the remaining 7 seats.

A simple majority of 59 seats is required to secure control of the Council. Tomorrow’s vote is expected to be closely contested.