The National People’s Power (NPP)-backed group faced defeat in the recently concluded election to appoint new officers to the Homagama Cooperative Society. The group led by the former chairman emerged victorious, securing 56 regional seats, while the NPP-supported group managed to win only 44 seats.
The Homagama Cooperative Society, one of the largest cooperative societies in the region, boasts a membership exceeding 100,000, underscoring the significance of the election. This society plays a crucial role in facilitating various financial and community services, including credit facilities, agricultural development, and support for small businesses, making the leadership election particularly impactful for the local community.
The election outcome is seen as a setback for the NPP, which has been actively working to expand its influence in grassroots-level institutions such as cooperative societies. Analysts suggest that the victory of the former chairman’s group reflects the loyalty and trust of longstanding members in the society’s existing leadership.
This defeat highlights the competitive nature of local cooperative elections, where organizational experience and community rapport often play a decisive role. The results also indicate the challenges faced by the NPP in gaining traction in key regional strongholds, despite its growing national presence.
The newly elected leadership of the Homagama Cooperative Society is expected to prioritize financial stability and the expansion of member services. Meanwhile, the NPP is likely to reassess its strategy for engaging with cooperative societies as it seeks to strengthen its grassroots influence in future elections.
