NPP Secures Strong Victory at 2025 LG Polls but Falls Short in Key Urban, Northern and Eastern Areas
The National People’s Power (NPP) emerged victorious at the 2025 Local Government (LG) election, securing the most seats and council control nationwide. Despite a decline in vote share compared to the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the NPP more than doubled the vote count of its main rival, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).
The NPP won 3,921 LG seats and secured majority control in over 100 local authorities, though it polled over 150 council majorities in total. However, it faced notable setbacks in urban centres and the north and east of the country, where opposition parties maintained or regained support.
Colombo Municipal Council: No Clear Winner
Despite a strong campaign led by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the NPP failed to secure outright control of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). The final tally showed:
- NPP: 81,814 votes (36.92%) – 48 seats
- SJB: 58,375 votes – 29 seats
- UNP: 26,297 votes – 13 seats
With no party securing a majority in the 117-seat council, opposition groups are expected to form coalitions to gain control of the CMC.
Regional Breakdown
- NPP: Strong in rural areas, especially in the Deep South.
- SJB: Over two million votes, victories in Kandy and parts of the North and East.
- ITAK: Resurgence in Tamil-majority areas, winning 8 local bodies in the north and east.
- SLPP: Maintained a strong showing, securing 742 seats.
- UNP: Won 379 seats.
- People’s Alliance (PA): Took 300 seats.
- Sarvajana Balaya (SB): A new entrant, won 226 seats, with notable success in several areas.
Peaceful Polls and High Engagement
Polling was held on May 6, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and concluded peacefully with no major incidents reported. Election monitors praised the process as well-organized and relatively calm compared to previous elections.
The outcome of the 2025 LG election signals continued nationwide support for the NPP, but also highlights the resilience of traditional and regional parties, especially in urban and minority-dominated regions.
