The National People’s Power (NPP) today secured control of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, ending a six-month administrative deadlock that followed the May Local Government election.
Although the NPP emerged as the largest group with 23 seats, it fell short of an outright majority, while the remaining 24 seats were divided among opposition parties and independent groups.
Two earlier attempts to elect a Chairman, on June 17 and July 15, were postponed due to procedural disputes.
The council reconvened this morning to decide whether the vote for Chairman should be held by open or secret ballot. The 23 NPP members and one member of the Sarvajana Balaya supported a secret ballot.
However, the remaining 23 opposition members walked out of the chamber.
The election went ahead with the remaining members, and NPP councillor P. K. Premarathna was elected Chairman with 23 votes. The Sarvajana Balaya member who backed the secret ballot abstained from voting.
Following the vote, Sarvajana Balaya Leader Dilith Jayaweera accused the NPP-led Government of “buying” the opposition member to secure control of the council, an allegation the NPP has not responded to so far.
With today’s outcome, the NPP officially takes charge of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha more than six months after the LG poll. (Newswire)