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Sri Lankan voters head to the polls today to elect representatives to 339 local authorities, including Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas. Though a local government election, it carries national weight—being the first such poll since 2018 and the first electoral test since the National People’s Power (NPP) rose to prominence.
Voting will take place at 13,759 polling stations across 4,877 wards. The election is seen as a barometer of public sentiment toward the current government’s performance, particularly on economic reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and overall governance since late September.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the NPP, has campaigned vigorously, aiming to consolidate gains and wrest local control from traditional power blocs. The NPP had a major breakthrough in the last general elections, securing over 6.8 million votes. Today’s outcome will test whether that momentum continues.
Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is under pressure to stage a comeback after setbacks in two national elections. A poor showing could deepen internal leadership struggles.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), once dominant, is now fighting for relevance under the leadership of MP Namal Rajapaksa. The election serves as a critical opportunity for the younger Rajapaksa to reclaim the party’s lost ground.
Other parties like the United National Party (UNP) and Sarvajana Balaya are also in the fray, with potential post-election alliances looming in the event of hung councils.
Though turnout is traditionally lower for local polls than national ones, political analysts will closely analyze today’s results to predict each party’s national standing and future prospects.
