In a significant political development, United National Party (UNP) National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake announced that the party is in talks with opposition factions and independent groups to help form a new administration in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). But despite clear strategic maneuvering, Ratnayake insists this isn’t about power, it’s about the people.
Speaking at a press conference held in Colombo, Ratnayake claimed that the UNP is committed to maintaining the high standards of public service that it has historically delivered during its tenure at the CMC. He emphasized that discussions are ongoing with other opposition parties to ensure the continuation of this efficiency not through traditional alliances, but through what he described as “consensus and cooperation.”
“In order to form a government that does not lie to the people,” Ratnayake said, “we are collaborating with parties and independent groups that collectively hold the majority. This isn’t about who joins whom it’s about delivering results for the public.”
He further clarified that the UNP has not demanded the position of Mayor, despite their active involvement in the council formation talks. Ratnayake revealed that prior to the election, there were attempts to unite with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), including a push to nominate Eran Wickramaratne as the mayoral candidate. However, the effort failed due to lack of agreement across the board.
Now, the focus, according to Ratnayake, is on identifying a mayoral candidate who will be “acceptable to all”—someone who can garner the support of all opposition factions, particularly the SJB, which secured the highest number of votes among the opposition.
“What’s happening here is not the usual scramble for power,” he said. “This is about putting the people first.”
Other senior UNP figures, including Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, Chairman Vajira Abeywardene, Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, also spoke at the media event, expressing alignment with Ratnayake’s position and reaffirming the party’s commitment to responsible and cooperative governance.
As speculation mounts over who will ultimately lead the council, the UNP’s message is clear: the game may be political, but the goal, they say, is public service.
