Sajith Faces Significant Decline in 2024 General Election

At the same time, the National People’s Power (NPP) has gained substantial ground in areas traditionally dominated by the United National Party (UNP) and later by the SJB.

Historically, Colombo-North, Central, East, and West have been strongholds of the UNP, known for consistent electoral success. While Premadasa’s SJB consolidated control of these areas in 2020, the NPP has now taken the lead in these constituencies during this election.

This development marks a significant political realignment in Colombo District, long regarded as the core of UNP support.

The NPP, under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, also made unexpected gains in the North and East of the country, areas with a Tamil-speaking majority that had traditionally backed the UNP, SJB, or Tamil political alliances.

Despite the decline in support, Premadasa secured the second-highest number of preference votes in the Colombo District with 145,611 votes. SJB members Dr. Harsha De Silva, Mujibur Rahman, and S.M. Marikkar also retained their seats in the district.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya emerged as the main opposition party in the 10th Parliament after winning over 1.9 million votes (17.66%) and securing 40 seats, including five bonus seats.