News
NPP consolidates power through councils dominance
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
The National People’s Power (NPP) has taken control of 192 local government Councils across the country as of 4 p.m. on. Friday, June 20.
The party secured direct majorities in 151 councils, while forming administrations in 40 others through coalitions or post-election agreements. Additionally, the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha was brought under NPP control despite the party not holding a clear majority, bringing the total number of NPP administered councils to 192.
Among the councils now under the control of the National People’s Power (NPP) are several of the country’s most prominent urban local authorities, including the Colombo,Kalutara,Galle, Kurunegala Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya Municipal Councils.
In 22 local councils, although the NPP appeared with the highest number of seats, it was unable to form administrations due to coalitions formed by opponent parties.
The NPP has also secured several key deputy chair positions through post-election negotiations. In councils such as the Agarapathana, Kotagala, and Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabhas, where the chairmanships were taken by the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) the deputy roles have been allocated to NPP representatives.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has formed administrations in 21 local bodies, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in three, the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) in 13, the CWC in three, while other parties have taken control of 13 councils. This brings the total number of councils under the control of parties other than the NPP to 53.
Setting up administrations in four councils has been delayed due to disruptions. Sessions of the Seethawakapura Urban Council, Seethawakapura Pradeshiya Sabha, and Mawathagama Pradeshiya Sabha were suspended after disputes arose during secret ballots, with a group of councillors withdrawing in protest. The inaugural session of the Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha was postponed due to internal administrative issues.
Of the 339 local government bodies, administrations have been successfully formed in 245 councils as of June 20. At four councils the inaugural sessions have been postponed due to disruptions, while in 90 councils the administration are being set up.
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