The 2025 Sri Lankan local government elections, held on May 6, marked a significant political event, with the National People’s Power (NPP) party, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, securing a substantial number of seats across various local councils. However, the elections also highlighted the complexities of coalition politics and the challenges of governance at the local level.
Election Outcomes
National People’s Power (NPP): The NPP emerged as the dominant party, winning 932 seats across 339 local councils, including municipal, urban, and pradeshiya sabhas.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): The SJB secured 393 seats, positioning itself as a significant opposition force at the local level.
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): The SLPP experienced a decline, obtaining 189 seats, a significant drop from previous local elections.
United National Party (UNP): The UNP managed to win 100 seats, reflecting its continued presence in local governance.
Implications of a United Opposition
If opposition parties such as the SJB, SLPP, and UNP were to form a united front, their combined seat count would surpass that of the NPP in several local councils. This coalition could effectively challenge the NPP’s control in specific areas, necessitating the NPP to engage in negotiations and potentially form alliances to maintain governance.
For instance, in the 2024 Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election, the NPP won 15 out of 30 seats, falling short of an outright majority. The SJB and other parties secured the remaining seats, compelling the NPP to seek coalition partners to govern effectively.
Consequences of NPP Receiving Less Than 50% of Votes
In councils where the NPP received less than 50% of the vote, it may face challenges in implementing its policies without support from other parties. The need for coalition-building becomes imperative in such scenarios to ensure stable governance and the passage of local legislation.
For example, in the Tangalle Urban Council, the NPP secured 46.18% of the votes, translating to 9 out of 19 seats. Without a clear majority, the NPP would need to collaborate with other parties to form a functioning council.
Broader Political Context
The NPP’s performance in the local elections follows its significant victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections, where it secured 159 seats, including 18 bonus seats, representing 61.56% of the total votes. This success marked a shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, moving away from traditional party dominance.
However, the local elections underscore the importance of coalition politics in Sri Lanka’s multiparty system. Even with substantial support, parties like the NPP must navigate alliances and partnerships to govern effectively at the local level.
Conclusion
The 2025 local government elections have reinforced the NPP’s position as a leading political force in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, the necessity for coalitions in councils where no single party holds a majority highlights the complexities of governance in a diverse political landscape. The NPP’s ability to build effective partnerships will be crucial in translating its electoral success into tangible governance outcomes.
