Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala has revealed that President Anura Dissanayake has given clear instructions to bring together progressive opposition MPs to form control in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), in a bold move to consolidate power at the local level.
Speaking during a radio interview, Watagala stated that he had been personally tasked by the President to identify and engage with independent-minded, progressive opposition MPs who are willing to support the National People’s Power (NPP) in taking over the CMC.
“I’ve already initiated discussions,” Watagala confirmed, adding that talks with several opposition parties had been productive. According to him, many of these MPs have expressed their willingness to back the NPP, citing confidence in the central government’s performance and governance approach.
Watagala noted that these parties believe that the NPP should rightfully be given control of the Colombo Municipal Council, aligning local governance with the direction of the national government.
“There is no doubt or hesitation,” he said firmly. “The National People’s Power will form the administration of the Colombo Municipal Council.”
The revelation marks a significant political maneuver aimed at expanding NPP’s influence within key local government institutions, with strategic outreach efforts now underway to reshape Colombo’s municipal leadership.
