May 06, Colombo (LNW): By midday today (06), voter turnout of the 2025 Local Government elections has indicated a rise across the country as citizens head to the polls.
According to district-level updates, over 30 per cent of registered voters had cast their ballots in a significant number of districts by 12 noon today, reflecting a steady increase in civic participation.
Preliminary figures indicate particularly high engagement in the southern coastal belt and parts of the north and east. Matara led the tally with a turnout of 42 per cent, followed by Mannar at 40 per cent and Galle at 35 per cent. Other districts recording a turnout above or around one-third of eligible voters include Badulla (36 per cent), Trincomalee (36 per cent), Polonnaruwa (34 per cent), and Kegalle (33 per cent).
In the eastern districts of Digamadulla and Ampara, 31 per cent of voters had reportedly exercised their franchise by noon. Colombo, despite its status as the most populous district, saw a relatively moderate turnout of 28 per cent. However, this figure still reflects a marked improvement compared to the slower pace observed during the morning hours.
Central and north-central regions also reported encouraging figures. Anuradhapura and Puttalam both stood at 30 per cent, suggesting steady voter activity throughout the morning. Ratnapura, known for its traditionally high civic engagement, also hit the 30 per cent mark.
The Election Commission has reiterated its call for all eligible citizens to participate peacefully and responsibly in the democratic exercise, especially given the seven-year gap since the last local polls.
