The National Peoples Power (NPP) in Sri Lanka, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka (AKD), is at a pivotal moment in its political journey. After securing a significant number of local government councils in May 2025, the party faces crucial tests in its quest to prove its maturity and readiness for national leadership. Here’s a deep dive into the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the NPP in ensuring its future success.
Sri Lanka: Three Things for NPP to ‘Come of Age’
As Sri Lanka’s National Peoples Power (NPP) rises to prominence, much remains uncertain about the party’s future direction. What exactly did President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka (AKD) promise the UN High Commissioner? What stance will Sri Lanka take at the upcoming UNHRC session in September? These questions, alongside others, form the crux of NPP’s evolving political narrative.
NPP’s Local Government Success
The May 2025 local government (LG) elections were a significant milestone for the NPP, marking its first real test at national-level governance. By the third week of June, NPP had gained control of 192 LG councils, securing a majority in 151. However, despite losing majority control in 40 councils, NPP successfully formed coalitions with local partners, even managing to gain control in one council with opposition support. This political success could greatly enhance NPP’s confidence to confront traditional political forces led by veteran parties in the country.
Challenges for NPP’s National Ambitions
However, electoral victories in the local government elections aren’t enough to ensure national dominance. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), founded by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite once commanding significant public support, the SLPP suffered significant defeats in both presidential and parliamentary elections. Even in the LG elections, the Rajapaksa-led party only managed to secure control of three councils, illustrating that public trust is still a challenge for the Rajapaksas.
On the other hand, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) showed slightly better performance, capturing 21 councils. Meanwhile, the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) made modest gains, securing control over 13 councils. Although the NPP emerged victorious in the elections, it failed to form the administration in 22 councils despite securing the highest number of seats.
For NPP to succeed in securing a permanent place in the national political mainstream, it must demonstrate that it can govern without the shadow of corruption. Sri Lanka’s troubled political history is littered with corruption scandals, and the people, especially after the Aragalaya protests, are no longer willing to tolerate corrupt practices. The NPP must prove that it can offer clean and transparent governance, especially as it has secured the confidence of voters in three successive elections.
Addressing the Challenges of Governance
AKD has long been aware of the difficulties of managing governance in Sri Lanka, as highlighted in December 2024 when he expressed concern over the erosion of citizens’ trust in institutions. He acknowledged that while reversing this situation would take time, the NPP is committed to restoring public confidence.
However, as history has shown, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” AKD must be cautious. As NPP gains power, particularly at the local level, it must avoid falling into the same trap of corruption that has plagued the previous administrations. Large municipal councils like Colombo, Galle, Kurunegala, and Nuwara Eliya, which have been rife with corrupt practices, pose a significant challenge. The NPP must focus on educating its new members about accountability and proper conduct to ensure that they don’t fall victim to these same temptations.
Systemic Challenges: Examining the Underlying Issues
Sri Lanka’s governance challenges are deeply rooted in systemic issues that have long plagued the country. One such issue came to the fore in May 2024, when convicted bank fraudster Athula Thilakaratne was released under the Presidential Pardon during the Vesak Poya Day, though his name was not on the official list of pardoned prisoners. This controversial move led to public outcry and questions from the opposition. The incident dented AKD’s credibility, and the President’s Media Division had to clarify that Thilakaratne’s release was an error, with further investigations into the wrongful release of other convicts.
Additionally, another controversy emerged over the appointment of Tysers Insurance Brokers Ltd (TIBL) as a broker for the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF). The company, under investigation by the US Department of Justice for alleged corruption, raised questions about the adequacy of Sri Lanka’s vetting processes. This situation highlighted the need for stronger oversight in public and private dealings.
The Push for Accountability and Justice
The NPP’s journey to maturity cannot be complete without addressing the country’s legacy of war crimes and human rights violations. Sri Lanka’s history of enforced disappearances, particularly during the JVP insurrections of 1971 and 1987-1989, remains a deeply contentious issue. During these periods, thousands of people disappeared or were killed by the state, leaving behind numerous mass graves. These unresolved issues continue to haunt the nation, and AKD and the NPP cannot afford to ignore this dark history.
The party must prioritize accountability for war crimes and human rights abuses, particularly in light of the Chemmani mass grave case, which came to light in 1998. The testimony of convicted soldiers like Somaratne Rajapakse, who revealed the mass killing of Tamil civilians, underscores the importance of confronting these atrocities. It is imperative that NPP take concrete actions to address these unresolved historical injustices.
A New Chapter: Shani Abeysekara’s Return
In a significant move, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara has been reappointed as the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with the approval of the National Police Commission (NPC). Abeysekara’s previous tenure was marked by high-profile investigations into the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, the disappearance of cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda, and the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. His return signals the government’s commitment to independent investigations and a step towards accountability.
As the National Peoples Power (NPP) seeks to solidify its place in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, it must overcome significant hurdles. From proving its ability to govern cleanly to addressing deep-rooted historical injustices, the NPP must not only deliver on its promises but also secure the trust of the public for generations to come. With the eyes of the world on Sri Lanka, the NPP’s success or failure in these areas will determine whether it truly comes of age on the national stage.
