June 16, Colombo (LNW): In a closely watched and hotly contested process, Vraie Cally Balthazaar of the National People’s Power (NPP) has been elected as the new Mayor of Colombo, following a decisive but tension-filled vote held during the inaugural session of the newly elected Colombo Municipal Council.

The council met this (16) morning for its first official sitting since the recent local government election held on May 06. The session, presided over by Sarangika Jayasundara, Commissioner of the Western Province’s Department of Local Government, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the governance of Sri Lanka’s capital.

Amid an atmosphere of uncertainty, two primary candidates were nominated for the mayoral position—Balthazaar representing the NPP, and Riza Zarook backed by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The initial disagreement over the voting method—whether the Mayor should be elected through a show of hands or a secret ballot—led to a spirited and occasionally fractious debate.

The SJB and the United National Party (UNP) lobbied for an open vote, whilst the NPP stood firmly in favour of preserving secrecy, citing the need for a free and fair selection process. Ultimately, consensus was reached, and the council proceeded with a secret ballot.

In the end, Balthazaar secured 61 votes, narrowly surpassing Zarook, who garnered 54. The result reflected not just party loyalties, but also the intense lobbying that took place in the lead-up to the vote, as no single party managed to gain a clear majority in the council.

The composition of the council reflects a deeply fragmented political landscape. The NPP holds 48 seats, followed by the SJB with 29. The UNP, once a dominant force in Colombo, secured 13 seats, whilst the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) gained 5.

A range of smaller parties and independent groups—including the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Sarvajana Balaya, and the United Peace Alliance—hold the remainder, with several factions earning between one and four seats each.

With 117 seats in total, a simple majority of 59 is required to control the council, making alliances and cross-party negotiations essential for governance. In recent weeks, both the NPP and SJB claimed to have built coalitions capable of capturing the mayoralty, but the final tally revealed the NPP’s success in stitching together enough support across a broad political spectrum.

June 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan nationals intending to travel to or from Israel have been urged to explore alternative transit options, as Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed to commercial air traffic amidst the ongoing regional conflict.

The closure, prompted by escalating military tensions, has left many stranded or uncertain about their travel plans.

Nimal Bandara, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Israel, has confirmed that although direct air travel into the country is currently suspended, viable overland routes remain open via neighbouring states. Individuals can enter Israel through designated land crossings from Jordan and Egypt, provided they secure the necessary short-term visas from either country.

The southern border near the Israeli city of Eilat is amongst the active entry points, accessible through Jordan. Similarly, crossings from Egypt are being utilised, with the Cairo and Amman international airports now serving as the nearest viable hubs for those en route to Israel.

Speaking after a diplomatic briefing with fellow ambassadors in Tel Aviv, Ambassador Bandara relayed remarks from Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, who acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of Ben Gurion Airport. Whilst no date has been confirmed, he reportedly reassured attendees that movement into and out of Israel remains possible for those in urgent need—albeit by land.

This guidance comes against the backdrop of continued hostilities between Israel and Iran, which have significantly disrupted civilian life and international transit. The missile exchanges between the two countries have intensified, with no clear de-escalation on the horizon. The airspace over large swathes of Israel remains restricted due to security concerns, with the threat of further missile strikes prompting extended closures of air corridors.

Ambassador Bandara further encouraged Sri Lankan citizens to stay in close contact with the embassy and to avoid unofficial travel arrangements that might place them at risk. He also advised those travelling via Jordan or Egypt to be mindful of visa procedures, security protocols, and potential delays at border crossings.

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.

June 16, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have extended precautionary alerts for landslides across various parts of the island, as heavy and prolonged rainfall continues to raise the risk of ground instability.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) confirmed that these warnings will remain active until 4:00 p.m. today (16).

Among the affected regions, a Level 2 warning—categorised as ‘Amber’ under the NBRO’s hazard classification system—has been issued for the Ratnapura and Ayagama Divisional Secretariat Divisions and adjacent areas within the Ratnapura District.

This elevated alert signifies an increased likelihood of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, and ground subsidence, prompting residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.

Additionally, a broader Level 1 (Yellow) advisory, denoting early signs of potential landslide risk, has been declared for several other regions across the country. The Colombo District’s Padukka Division is currently under this warning, alongside Elpitiya in Galle and multiple zones in Kalutara, including Walallawita, Matugama, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara and Agalawatta.

Further inland, the Ganga Ihala Korale Division in Kandy, as well as the Ambagamuwa area in Nuwara Eliya, have also been flagged. In Kegalle, three divisions—Deraniyagala, Dehiowita, and Yatiyanthota—are under similar alert status.

Meanwhile, additional locations in Ratnapura District including Eheliyagoda, Kalawana, Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Kuruwita, and Elapatha continue to be monitored under the Level 1 warning.

The NBRO urges residents in these zones to be especially cautious if they observe warning signs such as the appearance of cracks on walls or soil, leaning trees, unusual sounds from the ground, or changes in water flow patterns.

Local authorities, disaster response units, and community leaders have been advised to maintain close coordination to mitigate risk and ensure swift response if conditions deteriorate.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates through official NBRO channels and to prioritise safety over property should evacuation become necessary. The situation remains dynamic, with rainfall expected to continue intermittently in several regions throughout the day.

June 16, Colombo (LNW): The recently elected members of the Colombo Municipal Council are set to gather today (16) for their first formal sitting following last month’s local government elections, which have resulted in a fragmented council with no party holding an outright majority.

An official announcement confirming the meeting was issued by the Western Province’s Department of Local Government, with the Commissioner, Sarangika Jayasundara, gazetting the date and time.

Proceedings are scheduled to commence at 9:30 a.m. at the historic Town Hall premises, marking the beginning of what is likely to be a highly contested political chapter in the capital’s local governance.

The primary agenda for this inaugural session is the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor—two pivotal roles that will determine the administrative direction of the Colombo Municipal Council. With no party achieving a clear majority from the 117 seats available, negotiations and behind-the-scenes alliances have intensified in recent days, as parties seek to consolidate power.

The National People’s Power (NPP) emerged as the single largest group, having secured 48 seats. Close behind, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) claimed 29 seats, whilst the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) followed with 13 and 5 seats respectively. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress garnered 4 seats, and Independent Group No. 03 secured 3 seats.

Several smaller factions and independent groups also hold sway in the council’s composition. Sarvajana Balaya and the United Peace Alliance each captured 2 seats. Independent Groups No. 04 and 05 also gained 2 seats apiece. Meanwhile, a range of lesser-known entities—including the United Republic Front, National People’s Party, National Freedom Front, Podujana United Front, and Democratic National Alliance—each managed to win a single seat, alongside Independent Groups No. 01 and 02.

With 59 seats required to command a working majority in the council, both the NPP and the SJB have claimed in recent days to have secured the support of enough allies to lead the administration.

The outcome of today’s vote for Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be an early indication of which coalition has succeeded in stitching together a governing bloc.

June 16, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (16).

Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

A few showers may occur in the Northern province and in Anuradhapura district.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds.

Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly.

wind speed will be (35-45) kmph and can increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai.
Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph in the other sea areas around the island.
Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and from Mullaitivu to Vakarai via Trincomalee.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending Puttalam to Mullaittivu via Mannar and Kankasanthurai will be very rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into these sea areas, until further notice.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and from Mullaitivu to Vakarai via Trincomalee will be rough at times.

The wave height may increase about (2.0 – 2.5) m in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle (this is not for land area).

Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.