Senior SJB MPs have also confirmed the move, stating that the party will officially name its candidate shortly.
When contacted, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman said the party’s mayoral candidate will be from the SJB and that the name will be announced in due course.
The SJB is still working to secure the support of at least 59 councillors required to gain control of the Colombo Municipal Council. The vote to elect the new mayor is expected to take place within the next one to two weeks.
The latest breakdown of CMC seats is as follows:
• National People’s Power (NPP) – 48 seats
• Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) – 29 seats
• United National Party (UNP) – 13 seats
• Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – 5 seats
• Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) – 4 seats
• Independent Group 03 – 3 seats
• Sarvajana Balaya – 2 seats
• Independent Group 04 – 2 seats
• Independent Group 05 – 2 seats
• United Peace Alliance – 2 seats
• National Freedom Front – 1 seat
• National People’s Party – 1 seat
• People’s Alliance – 1 seat
• Democratic National Alliance – 1 seat
• United Republic Front – 1 seat
• Independent Group 01 – 1 seat
• Independent Group 02 – 1 seat