A political twist may be on the horizon as the United National Party (UNP) has expressed its willingness to join forces with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and other opposition groups to seize control of key local government bodies where the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) failed to win outright majorities.
Speaking to the media, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala confirmed that her party is open to strategic discussions aimed at forming joint administrations in councils dominated by opposition numbers.
“We are willing to engage in dialogue with the SJB and others to establish control in local government institutions where the opposition has the upper hand,” Athukorala stated. “Our primary objective is to remove the National Jana Balawegaya from power, as they have clearly misled the people.”
Athukorala further revealed that past attempts at cooperation between the UNP and SJB had already taken place and could be revived. “Both I and our Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene have had discussions with the SJB previously. That process can now be resumed.”
With no party securing outright majorities in several local bodies, this potential UNP-SJB coalition could reshape the post-election political map. If successful, it could block NPP’s influence across multiple councils signaling the start of a broader power struggle in local governance.
