by A Special Correspondent in Colombo
The just-concluded local government elections have plunged Colombo’s political landscape into uncertainty, with rising speculation about a possible covert alliance between opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The main opposition forces—the United National Party (UNP), led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Premadasa—initially appeared united in supporting former MP Eran Wickramaratne as their joint candidate for the Colombo Municipal Council of the local polls. However, this common front quickly crumbled when Lakshman Fonseka, a top enabler and political mentor to Premadasa, reportedly opposed the move.
According to political insiders, Fonseka’s sudden shift may have been influenced by an undisclosed pact between Premadasa and Dissanayake, casting doubt on the opposition’s true intentions. The SJB later fielded a new candidate, causing fragmentation within the anti-government vote and further fueling suspicions of internal maneuvering.
Though the final official results are yet to be announced, early counts indicate that the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has taken the lead in many areas, including Colombo, but without securing a commanding majority. In Colombo Municipal Council specifically, the NPP has reportedly gained the most seats, followed by the SJB and UNP. Yet this fragmented outcome means no single party can claim full control, setting the stage for intense power-sharing negotiations and council-level stalemates.
Nationwide, the early results reflect a similar trend: the NPP is ahead in many local government bodies but has achieved clear majorities in only a portion of them. In several councils, the NPP and opposition forces are tied, while in many others, the opposition collectively holds more seats.
With the final outcome pending, political analysts warn that the fractured nature of these results could create administrative gridlock. In local councils where no party reaches the 50% threshold, leadership positions must be decided internally through consensus—often a recipe for prolonged conflict and backroom dealing.
