More than two months after the conclusion of the 2025 Local Government Elections, over 50 local government bodies across the country are yet to be formally constituted under new mayors or chairpersons.
Delays stem from several factors, including the failure to gazette the names of elected members, unresolved legal proceedings, and the lack of quorum during inaugural sittings.
In many cases, more than 50% of elected members have not attended the council chambers, reportedly with some deliberately abstaining to stall the process.
Among the affected institutions is the Wanathawilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha, which has not been able to form a council due to complications surrounding female representation quotas.
The 2025 Local Government Election, held on May 6, covered 337 local authorities and saw the participation of nearly 8,000 candidates.
However, the continued failure to establish functioning councils casts a shadow over the post-election democratic process and has prompted calls for urgent administrative and legal interventions.
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