On May 6, 2025, Sri Lanka will hold its long-anticipated local government elections, covering 339 councils and involving over 17 million voters. These elections represent a critical juncture—not only for the democratic process but for the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), whose popularity has surged since its dramatic rise. However, that momentum now meets growing scrutiny amid questions of governance, delivery, and credibility.
Governance at a Crossroads
For many voters, the choice this time is more nuanced than party loyalty. The focus has shifted to whether candidates exhibit true integrity or simply serve entrenched political interests. The NPP’s platform hinges on rooting out corruption and eliminating waste, but internal critics and opposition figures point to troubling contradictions—such as appointing individuals previously accused of misconduct. While some allegations lack substantiation, the government’s limited public response has left room for doubt, raising fears of systemic corruption persisting under a new banner.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other opposition voices have forecast a fragmented outcome, warning that coalition politics may dominate council compositions. Such a scenario, they argue, could entrench existing rivalries and impede effective governance at the local level.
Local Councils: Frontlines of Change
Local councils have a crucial role to play in shaping Sri Lanka’s development trajectory. From generating revenue to ensuring equitable service delivery, especially in under-resourced areas like Moneragala, Mannar, and Mullaitivu, local bodies are the lifeblood of grassroots governance. However, their potential remains constrained by central government interference, politicized allocation of resources, and unresolved disputes over land and ethnic identity—particularly in the north and east. These issues continue to fuel distrust and tension across the country.
Policy, Politics, and the Public Pulse
A particularly sensitive flashpoint emerged around the Tissa Maha Viharaya temple in Kankesanturai, where military involvement and land disputes sparked outcry. The government’s handling of the issue reignited fears over ethno-religious bias and ambiguity. Despite claiming a non-discriminatory stance, the NPP has been criticized for echoing Sinhala-Buddhist nationalist undertones, casting doubt on its commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation.
Externally, the geopolitical competition between China and the West has further complicated Sri Lanka’s trajectory. The country risks becoming a pawn in larger power plays, increasing the urgency for a stable, transparent, and community-responsive governance structure to hold the line.
The NPP’s Trial by Governance
The NPP’s inexperience in actual governance is now under the spotlight. Despite bold rhetoric, its leadership has struggled with decision-making processes, often relying on unverified data and facing operational bottlenecks inherited from previous administrations. This has raised concerns that the NPP might devolve into a bureaucratic, top-down authority—mirroring historical patterns where leftist governments fused party with state and lost public trust.
To deliver real reform, the NPP must go beyond slogans. It needs to institutionalize democratic governance, fast-track transitional justice, and actively address long-standing issues such as land rights, missing persons, and military presence in civilian areas. These failures continue to erode confidence, particularly in war-affected regions.
A Crucial Test of Leadership
As the election draws near, voters are confronted with a critical decision: back candidates who demonstrate genuine public service commitment or default to those simply loyal to party lines. Among NPP-affiliated contenders, some are untested, while others have shown clear resolve to reform the system. The outcome of these local elections could either deepen democratic accountability or reinforce inefficiency and decay.
Sri Lanka’s democratic future depends not only on who wins this election, but on how governance is reimagined at the most basic levels. If the NPP fails to secure support for its local and provincial councils, it may not be able to sustain its broader national agenda. To date, no opposition party has offered a more compelling or structured policy alternative.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged that the solutions to Sri Lanka’s complex challenges must come from within—not from external forces. On May Day, he emphasized the need to adapt and act boldly in the face of ongoing social, political, and economic uncertainty.
The Ballot as a Mandate for Reform
Despite the criticisms, the President has urged citizens to use this election as a means to reinforce systemic change. Supporting the NPP at the local level, he argues, is key to consolidating the reforms initiated at the national level. Without alignment between local and central government, those reforms may stall.
For voters, the message is clear: this is not just another local election. It is a defining moment. The direction Sri Lanka takes in the coming years may well be shaped by what happens at the grassroots on May 6.
