The National People’s Power (NPP)-led government is making every effort—regardless of cost—to secure control over the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).
Despite holding the presidency and a two-thirds majority in Parliament, NPP leaders reportedly view not having control over the capital’s municipal council as a major political embarrassment.
As a result, they are now attempting to gain power in the CMC by any means necessary, even if it means engaging in the very deal-making politics they once denounced.
The NPP secured only 48 seats in the CMC, with a vote share of 36.92%. In comparison, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) won 29 seats, the United National Party (UNP) won 13, SLPP won 5, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) won 4, and both the United Peace Alliance and Sarvajana Balaya secured 2 seats each. One seat each went to five more parties, making up a total of 60 seats.
The remaining 9 seats are held by five independent groups.
Instead of negotiating with the main opposition parties, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has initiated talks with members of these independent groups. According to some members who spoke to the media after these discussions, they expressed their expectations to the President, who reportedly agreed to their terms, leading them to support the NPP.
However, what those conditions are remains unclear.
Meanwhile, reports also suggest that a former governor, known for opportunistically switching between parties and securing perks throughout his career, is now mediating with the independents to secure support for the government.
Reportedly upset that SJB leader Sajith Premadasa overlooked him, this former governor, who also served as the mayor of the CMC, is said to be working alongside several close business associates, lobbying various individuals who are now council members to back the NPP in the CMC.
As of now, the exact terms of these backroom deals remain unknown.
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