January 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s National Election Commission has approved the registration of five additional political parties, expanding the country’s already crowded political landscape.
The newly recognised groups include the Samajavadi Janatha Peramuna, Jana Sahabhagi Prajathanthrawadi Peramuna, Malaiyaga Arasiyal Arangam, Samaththuwa Katchi and Viplawadi Janatha Balaya, according to an official announcement by the Commission.
Approval followed a lengthy evaluation process that began last year, during which applicants were assessed through a series of interviews and reviews. In 2025 alone, as many as 83 organisations applied for official recognition as political parties. Of these, 47 were shortlisted and invited to take part in preliminary discussions.
After completing the final round of interviews and scrutiny, only five parties met the required criteria and were granted formal registration.
With these additions, the total number of registered political parties in Sri Lanka has risen to 85, reflecting both the diversity and fragmentation of the country’s political arena as it moves towards future electoral contests.
