In a major political shakeup at the Colombo Municipal Council, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) appears dangerously close to losing control, as Independent MPs have pledged their unconditional support to the National People’s Force (NPP) following decisive talks held at the JVP party headquarters in Pelawatte.
The discussions, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, ended with several key Independent councillors publicly declaring that they would back the NPP in its bid to form a new majority in Sri Lanka’s most powerful local government body.
“The agreement is clear. We will support the National People’s Force without conditions,” one Independent MP told reporters after the meeting in Malima, signaling a significant power shift in the country’s capital.
With this support secured, the NPP now holds a stronger position than ever before but the numbers still fall just short. The NPP currently controls 48 seats in the Colombo Municipal Council, while 9 seats are held by Independents. However, 59 seats are required to form a majority and take control.
This development comes as a major blow to the SJB, which is now on the defensive. Political analysts say that unless the SJB can broker a last-minute deal or reclaim defecting votes, it could be ousted from municipal power in Colombo—a symbolic and strategic loss ahead of upcoming national elections.
As negotiations continue behind the scenes, the balance of power in Colombo may now hinge on a handful of swing votes—and the next 48 hours could determine who governs the capital.
