A Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) member elected from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) is facing the risk of losing her council seat after the party terminated her membership for voting in favour of the municipal budget alongside the National People’s Power (NPP).
In a letter dated Jan. 9, 2026, the SLMC informed CMC councillor Zohara Buhary that her party membership had been terminated with immediate effect for what it described as a “gross violation of party discipline.”
The party said Buhary voted in support of the Colombo Municipal Council budget proposal despite a clear directive for SLMC councillors, as part of the opposition, to oppose the budget.
The letter, signed by SLMC Secretary M. Nizam Kariapper, states that Buhary had earlier been suspended and was instructed to submit an explanation by way of an affidavit within one week. The party said she failed to respond within the stipulated period, which it deemed an admission of the charges.
“In the absence of any explanation to the contrary, your membership of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress is hereby terminated with immediate effect,” the letter said, adding that the decision was taken after due consideration of the seriousness of the breach.
Under Sri Lanka’s local government framework, councillors elected on a party ticket may lose their seats if their party membership is lawfully terminated and the decision is communicated to the Election Commission.
Buhary’s expulsion could therefore trigger disqualification proceedings, unless the decision is challenged successfully in court.
There was no immediate response from Buhary at the time of publication. (Newswire)
