Vraie Makes History as Colombo’s First NPP Mayor

COLOMBO (News 1st); Vraie Cally Balthazaar of the National People’s Power (NPP) has been sworn in as the new Mayor of Colombo, becoming the first NPP member to hold the city’s top municipal post.

The election, held during the inaugural session of the newly constituted Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) on June 16, was decided by a secret ballot.

Balthazaar secured 61 votes, narrowly defeating her rival Riza Zarook of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who received 54 votes. Two votes were declared invalid.

This marks a historic shift in Colombo’s political landscape.

Since 1956, the Colombo Municipal Council has been predominantly controlled by the United National Party (UNP) or its affiliates. Balthazaar’s victory signals a significant departure from that legacy.