June 16, Colombo (LNW): The political alliance Sarvajana Balaya has formally pledged its support to the candidate put forward by the Opposition bloc in the contest to elect the next Mayor of Colombo, marking a significant shift in the capital’s municipal power struggle.
The decision, announced ahead of the inaugural sitting of the newly elected Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), could play a decisive role in today’s vote.
The executive committee of Sarvajana Balaya reached a unanimous agreement to oppose the mayoral nominee fielded by the National People’s Power (NPP), which had emerged as the largest single party following the local government elections held on 6 May, according to alliance leader MP Dilith Jayaweera.
Sources close to the alliance suggest that their backing is likely to benefit the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)-led coalition, which has been actively courting smaller parties and independents.
The inaugural session of the new CMC is set to convene this morning at 9:30 a.m. at the historic Town Hall premises. According to a gazette notification issued by Sarangika Jayasundara, Commissioner of the Western Province’s Local Government Department, the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be the first item on the agenda.
