In a major grassroots setback, the National People’s Power-backed group has lost control of the Deniyaya Kotapola Various Services Cooperative, one of the biggest and most influential cooperatives in Sri Lanka.
The election to appoint new representatives ended with a decisive win for the opposition-supported group, which secured 67 seats. The NPP-aligned faction managed to claim only 33 seats, despite previously holding strong influence in the cooperative sector. The result marks a significant power shift inside the Deniyaya Kotapola Various Services Cooperative, a body known for its wide membership base, economic reach, and political relevance in the south.
Political observers say the outcome signals growing resistance against NPP-backed organisers at grassroots level, especially in rural economic networks where cooperatives play a key role in livelihoods and community decision-making. Supporters of the winning faction claim the result reflects voter dissatisfaction, while NPP members insist the loss does not indicate a wider political decline.
The 67–33 split is being widely discussed as a symbolic blow to the NPP’s image of expanding rural authority, especially ahead of future cooperative and local elections.
