May 06, Colombo (LNW): The result of the Local Government Election held in Ambalangoda Urban Council of the Galle District has been released.
National Peoples Power – 5736 (11)
Samagi Jana Balawegaya – 2934 (05)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna – 1928 (03)
United National Party – 553 (01)
Independent Group – 552 (01)
Sarwajana Balaya – 447 (01)
Accordingly, the National Peoples Power has secured victory at the Ambalangoda Urban Council with eleven seats.
May 06, Colombo (LNW): The Local Government Election of Sri Lanka has released another result a short while ago.
Accordingly, the result of the Hambantota Municipal Council of the Hambantota District is out.
National Peoples Power – 4750 (08)
Samagi Jana Balawegaya – 3874 (07)
Peoples Alliance – 1511 (03)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna – 1279 (02)
Sarwajana Balaya – 816 (01)
May 06, Colombo (LNW): The second result of the Local Government Election of Sri Lanka has been released.
Haputale Urban Council of Badulla District:
Independent Group 01 – 1038 (05)
National Peoples Power – 844 (04)
Samagi Jana Balawegaya – 374 (02)
May 06, Colombo (LNW): The very first result of the 2025 Local Government Election of Sri Lanka has been released.
Tangalla Urban Council of Hambantota District:
National Peoples Power – 2260
Samagi Jana Balawegaya – 1397
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna – 795
May 06, Colombo (LNW): Voting for Sri Lanka’s long-postponed Local Government elections concluded on Tuesday evening, bringing an end to a politically charged day marked by moderate, yet regionally varied, voter engagement.
The island-wide polling, which commenced at 7:00 a.m., officially drew to a close at 4:00 p.m., with vote counting expected to begin immediately.
This election marks the country’s first local government vote in nearly seven years, following two national-level polls held last year. With over 17 million registered voters and more than 13,700 polling centres across the country, citizens were tasked with selecting representatives for 339 local councils from a pool of over 75,000 candidates, representing both major political parties and independent groups.
Initial reports indicate that, while voter enthusiasm did not surge to extraordinary levels, several districts reported turnout figures above 60% by the time polling closed. Notably, Mannar district led the turnout statistics with an impressive 70%, signalling robust civic participation in the region. Polonnaruwa followed with 64%, while Badulla, Nuwara-Eliya, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala each reported a 60% turnout. Mullaitivu matched that figure, suggesting a notable engagement even in the island’s formerly conflict-affected zones. Kegalle trailed slightly behind, with 58% of voters participating.
Despite the overall momentum, some regions remained below the 60% threshold, reflecting a degree of voter apathy likely shaped by disillusionment with local political dynamics, economic strain, or logistical barriers. Analysts have noted that this election—falling into a broader electoral cycle that already included presidential and parliamentary polls—may have suffered from fatigue among sections of the electorate.
Authorities had earlier encouraged citizens to take advantage of the full day to cast their ballots peacefully and responsibly. Meanwhile, the Election Commission assured the public of a smooth and secure voting process, with law enforcement personnel stationed across the island to ensure order and compliance with election regulations.
May 06, Colombo (LNW): By 2:00 p.m. today (06), voter participation in the 2025 Local Government elections had risen sharply in many parts of the country, with several districts reporting turnout figures surpassing the 45 per cent mark.
The surge signals a renewed public enthusiasm for grassroots democracy, following years of delay and administrative uncertainty surrounding local governance.
The north-western district of Mannar has so far recorded the highest turnout, with 54 per cent of registered voters casting their ballots. Vavuniya followed closely at 49 per cent, indicating strong electoral engagement in the northern provinces. Ratnapura, a district with a longstanding tradition of high voter involvement, reported a robust 50 per cent turnout.
In the Uva Province, Badulla saw 48 per cent of its electorate head to the polls, mirrored by Digamadulla in the east. Kalutara, Matara, Polonnaruwa, and Kegalle each reported a turnout of 45 per cent, pointing to consistent participation across the southern and central regions. Colombo, typically slower to mobilise in local contests, had reached a 40 per cent turnout, as did Puttalam and Anuradhapura.
The rising midday numbers have prompted cautious optimism amongst election officials, who hope for an overall voter turnout that exceeds previous records. The Election Commission has continued to encourage voters to arrive at polling centres before the 4:00 p.m. closing time, reminding the public that this election marks a significant opportunity to shape local development priorities.
Election observers have noted that the voting process has proceeded smoothly thus far, with few disruptions reported. Law enforcement continues to maintain a strong presence at polling centres, ensuring a secure environment for voters.
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.
By: Staff Writer
May 06, Colombo (LNW): In a significant diplomatic engagement, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visited Colombo, Sri Lanka, to fortify bilateral defense cooperation and express apprehensions regarding China’s assertive maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific region.
This visit marks the second by a Japanese defense minister, underscoring Japan’s strategic interest in Sri Lanka, a nation pivotal to key maritime routes.
During discussions with Sri Lankan officials, Nakatani highlighted Japan’s “serious concerns over unilateral attempts to change the status quo,” alluding to China’s activities in the East and South China Seas.
He emphasized the necessity of reinforcing partnerships to ensure regional prosperity amid escalating uncertainties in the international landscape.
The two nations are set to enhance collaboration across all military branches. Plans include inviting the Sri Lanka Army to observe disaster response exercises in Japan and joint development of air rescue and medical evacuation capabilities.
Additionally, Nakatani’s meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya culminated in a mutual agreement on the importance of upholding a free and open maritime order, vital for Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
Japan’s outreach to Sri Lanka aligns with its broader strategy to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.
Historically, Japan was Sri Lanka’s largest aid donor until 2007, but China’s substantial investments, including the Hambantota Port and a recent $3.7 billion oil refinery project, have shifted Colombo’s economic engagements eastward. Despite this, Japan maintains a favorable image in Sri Lanka, attributed to longstanding cultural ties and soft power diplomacy.
The strategic significance of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean has not gone unnoticed by Japan. The island nation sits astride vital sea lanes, making it a focal point in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative championed by Tokyo. Japan’s commitment to this vision is evident in its support for maritime security, provision of coast guard patrol vessels, and infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka.
However, public sentiment between Japan and China remains strained. A 2024 survey indicated that nearly 90% of Japanese and Chinese citizens harbor unfavorable views of each other, influenced by territorial disputes and historical grievances.
This mutual distrust further complicates regional dynamics and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships like that between Japan and Sri Lanka.
As Japan continues to navigate the complexities of Indo-Pacific geopolitics, its deepening ties with Sri Lanka signify a concerted effort to promote stability and counterbalance China’s regional ambitions.
By: Staff Writer
May 06, Colombo (LNW): In a bold move underscoring the growing role of the private sector in Sri Lanka’s agricultural development, Browns Investments PLC (BIL), a subsidiary of the diversified LOLC Group, has expanded its plantation portfolio with the acquisition of FLMC Plantations Ltd. The deal, valued at Rs. 4.8 billion, marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
FLMC Plantations, now under Browns Investments, acts as the managing agent for Pussellawa Plantations Ltd. (PPL) and Melfort Green Teas Ltd., both of which operate in the island’s renowned tea-growing regions including Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Sabaragamuwa. PPL alone manages over 11,500 hectares across 24 estates, cultivating 5,400 hectares of tea and 5,900 hectares of rubber, with an annual yield of 4.3 million kilograms of tea and 2.3 million kilograms of rubber.
This acquisition reinforces Browns Investments’ commitment to consolidating its plantation operations. It complements the company’s existing holdings, including Maturata Plantations, Udapussellawa Plantations, Hapugastenne Plantations, and Tea Smallholder Factories PLC. With the inclusion of FLMC, the Group’s annual tea production now totals approximately 17.5 million kilograms, securing its status as Sri Lanka’s largest tea producer.
LOLC Group Managing Director and CEO Kapila Jayawardena described the move as a strategic milestone in the company’s global growth trajectory. “This acquisition strengthens our leadership in the tea sector and enhances our capacity to supply premium-quality tea to international markets,” he said, highlighting the Group’s dual focus on sustainability and export excellence.
Beyond Sri Lanka, the LOLC Group has firmly established itself as the world’s largest tea producer and exporter, with an annual output of around 100 million kilograms. Its global tea operations span China, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, through subsidiaries like Browns Plantation Guizhou Tea Company, Limuru Tea PLC, and Browns Plantations East Africa.
Aligned with the United Nations Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals, the Group is committed to climate action, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development. This expansion signals a strong private sector commitment to revitalising Sri Lanka’s plantation sector while reinforcing the country’s global reputation for premium tea.
As Browns spearheads this transformation, Sri Lanka’s tea industry is poised for a new era of growth—driven by private investment, strategic consolidation, and a focus on global competitiveness.
May 06, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has unveiled its second roadmap for sustainable finance, signalling a renewed national push to align the country’s financial system with climate resilience and social equity goals.
Released yesterday (05), the updated strategy—dubbed Sustainable Finance Roadmap 2.0—builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor in 2019 and is intended to guide the financial sector through the next phase of sustainability integration.
This enhanced framework comes at a critical moment as Sri Lanka, like many developing nations, faces increasing threats from climate change and environmental degradation, alongside widening social vulnerabilities.
The central bank noted that these risks not only endanger economic stability but also have the potential to disrupt price stability and erode confidence in the financial system if left unaddressed.
The first roadmap, launched five years ago, laid the groundwork for embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into lending, investment, and regulatory practices.
It served as a blueprint for banks and financial institutions to begin evaluating the broader impacts of their operations and lending portfolios, particularly in the context of sustainable development.
The newly launched Roadmap 2.0 significantly deepens this agenda by integrating international best practices and establishing a clearer path for green financing, social investment, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.
The updated document outlines a series of recommendations and action points tailored for various segments of the financial sector, including banks, insurers, capital markets, and non-banking financial institutions.
Crucially, this iteration was developed through extensive consultation with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These included the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), the Insurance Regulatory Commission (IRCSL), the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (SLBA), the Finance Houses Association (FHA), and numerous government departments and agencies.
Their collective input, the central bank noted, ensured the strategy reflects both regulatory imperatives and market realities.
The Roadmap 2.0 also calls for stronger data infrastructure, capacity building, and awareness initiatives to help financial institutions accurately assess climate risks and measure the social impact of their operations.
Amongst its more ambitious proposals is the gradual introduction of mandatory climate risk disclosures and the incorporation of sustainability criteria into prudential regulation frameworks. Officials at CBSL have stressed that moving towards a low-carbon and inclusive economy is no longer a peripheral ambition but a central tenet of financial policy.
Photo: Daily Mirror (Mirror Business)
