161 Local Councils To Begin Operations Following May Elections

COLOMBO (News 1st) ;The official term of Sri Lanka’s local government bodies begins today (2) , following the results of the local government elections held on May 6.

A total of 161 institutions are set to commence operations, having successfully resolved administrative matters and established leadership.

Despite the start of the new term, the Colombo Municipal Council — one of the most closely watched institutions — will not convene today.

According to the election results, political parties or independent groups secured a majority in 161 out of 339 local government bodies. However, no single party or group was able to secure a majority in the remaining 178 institutions.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government had previously issued a gazette notification on February 17, confirming that the new term would officially begin on June 2.

Accordingly, the Election Commission has published the names of mayors, deputy mayors, chairpersons, and vice-chairpersons for the 161 institutions where power has been established without dispute.

These officials are now authorized to begin their duties from today.

The National People's Power (NPP) emerged as the dominant political force in the 2025 local government elections, securing victory in 265 out of 339 institutions and winning 3,927 council seats.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) followed with victories in 14 institutions and 1,767 council seats.