Sri Lanka holds landmark local elections after seven-year gap

Colombo

In a significant development for Sri Lanka’s democratic landscape, the island nation held local government elections on Tuesday; its first such polls in seven years. The elections are also the first to take place since the National People’s Power (NPP), led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, assumed power last year. Elections were conducted in 339 out of the country’s 341 local bodies, according to local media reports, marking a major milestone in restoring grassroots governance. The ruling NPP is contesting alongside key political rivals such as the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the United National Party (UNP), and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), led by Namal Rajapaksa.

Security across the country has been heightened with more than 65,000 police personnel deployed to ensure peaceful voting. A record 75,589 candidates are competing, representing 49 recognised political parties and 257 independent groups. A total of 17,156,338 registered voters are eligible to cast their votes at 13,759 polling centres nationwide. President Dissanayake, who led the NPP to victory in last year’s presidential and parliamentary elections, has actively campaigned to consolidate power at the local level. Political analysts view the elections as a key test of his administration’s popularity beyond national politics.

Meanwhile, the SJB faces intense pressure to improve its electoral performance after setbacks in previous national elections. The SLPP, once the dominant political force In Sri Lanka, is also striving to regain its influence. Sri Lanka’s Election Commission has called on voters to maintain peace and exercise their franchise responsibly.