National People’s Power (NPP) member Sagaradheera Vishva Vikrama today was elected as the Mayor of the Bandarawela Municipal Council after securing eight votes.

He was elected as mayor with a majority of four votes, receiving six votes from the NPP, along with two votes from Independent Group 02 and one vote from Independent Group 01.

For the position of Deputy Mayor, the NPP nominated Srikanth Nanda from Independent Group 01, who also secured eight votes, the same as the newly elected mayor.

Independent Group 01’s Mohammed Naushad, who contested for the mayoral position, received only four votes from his group. He also contested for the deputy mayor position and received the same number of votes.

A notable aspect of the election was that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), which had previously stated its intention to secure power within the council alongside the opposition, abstained from participating in the voting process. (Newswire)

The post NPP forms Bandarawela MC with support of Independent Groups appeared first on Newswire.

National People’s Power (NPP) MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe has been elected Chairman of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment.

According to a Parliament statement, the election was held during the inaugural meeting of the Committee for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka, convened at the Parliament complex yesterday.

In line with a prior agreement between the ruling party and the opposition, the chairmanship of this particular Sectoral Oversight Committee was to be offered to a member of the ruling party. 

Accordingly, the name of Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe was proposed by Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer and seconded by MP Samanmali Gunasinghe. (Newswire)

The post NPP MP to head Parliamentary Committee on Health, Media & Women’s Empowerment appeared first on Newswire.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says there are capable and community-focused individuals among independent groups and opposition party candidates who were elected in the recent local government elections.

Responding to a question about councils where the NPP emerged as the leading party but lacks an outright majority, Herath said discussions are ongoing to form alliances with such individuals to secure control.

He made the remarks while speaking to the media. There are over 100 local councils where the NPP will need the support of members from other parties or independent groups to establish administrations. (Newswire)

The post Forming councils : NPP to approach, good, capable independent & other party candidates appeared first on Newswire.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said the National People’s Power (NPP) government has been given a mandate to continue its national reform programme free of corruption.

“The NPP has achieved a clear and leading victory as a single party. This is special,” Silva said. He said the NPP is willing to join forces with independent groups to establish authorities, but will not be forming alliances with other political parties which have been rejected by voters. “As the leading party, we have the right to govern,” Silva added. 

He said the public had reaffirmed its confidence in the NPP, noting the party’s gains in the 2025 local government election.

“The NPP has won a large number of local authorities across the country,” Silva said at a media briefing, as final results were pending. 

“We are ready to improve where needed and continue with our programme,” he said, thanking the voters for their faith in the NPP. 

The NPP secured more votes in the 2025 local government election than in 2018, when the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) dominated the polls, he said. (Newswire)

The post Will NPP form alliances with other parties? Tilvin responds appeared first on Newswire.

The National People’s Power (NPP) has won 48 seats in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), but has failed to secure a clear majority. 

According to the results for the CMC in the Local Government Elections, the other parties have collectively secured 69 seats.

Among them, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has won 29 seats and the United National Party (UNP) has secured 13 seats.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has won 05 seats, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) 04 seats, and the Sarvajana Balaya 02 seats. (Newswire)

The post CMC full official result appeared first on Newswire.

The National People’s Power (NPP) has secured the majority of votes in the 2025 Local Government Elections. 

According to the results officially released thus far, the NPP has secured a majority in 200 of the 239 Local Government Institutes. 

The NPP has secured a clear majority in 94 councils, where they can form their administration, while in the remaining councils, they will be required to obtain the support of other parties to secure a majority. 

The Local Government Election was held yesterday, with voting at 13,759 polling centres. (Newswire)

The post NPP leads in 200 LG Councils, wins clear majority in 94 appeared first on Newswire.

By Sanjana Hattotuwa, Senior Researcher

Eight years ago to the day, journalist Azzam Ameen posted a tweet capturing what at the time was the Joint Opposition’s May Day rally at Galle Face. Individuals like Wimal Weerawansa were reported as saying the crowd was around 2 million, but in a detailed assessment of crowd strength (Doing the math: 2017 May Day rally of the Joint Opposition), I determined it to be around 118,000.

Ameen tweeted similar photos of the NPP’s May Day rally at Galle Face in 2025, which was the site of 2022’s GotaGoGama. Newspaper reports indicated the General Secretary of NPP, Nihal Abeysinghe, expected around 100,000 participants. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda, had a much higher number. He said around 221,000 people would arrive via 5,532 buses (a conservative average of around 39 per bus, even though an Ashok Leyland Viking can seat 58).

Used, as I did in 2017, the sui generis MapChecking platform to determine crowd strength at NPP’s May Day rally. On the other hand, social media commentator Dinidu de Alwis used ChatGPT, which through its own visual analysis noted “a very rough crowd estimate between 100,000 and 225,000 people”.

I primarily based crowd strength on this photo by posted by Ameen – one of four he tweeted.

The crowd’s in roughly four distinct segments.

1. Just past the Galle Face roundabout to around the entrance of the Taj Samudra hotel, there’s an audience segment that doesn’t extend to the walking path.
2. From beyond the Taj Samudra entrance to past One Galle Face (OGF), the crowd spills over to the walking path adjacent to the sea.
3. Separated by tents and temporary structures from the main crowd, the pavement/walking path next to Galle Road is also filled with people, extending to OGF.
4. At the time the photo was taken, Galle Road is also occupied by supporters, though with significantly less density than areas to its left.

The first section of the crowd, at a density of 4 per square meter (sqm) had ~39,457 people. 

The second section, at a density of 3.5 per sqm (accounting for what’s in some sections a crowd that’s visibly less than in other parts), had ~151,695 people.

The third section, at 3 per sqm (assuming that the crowd was as densely packed throughout as it is at the start, which is impossible to determine accurately because of tree cover, but has a very high likelihood), had around 38,439 people.

The fourth section, with the least density, calculated at 0.15 per sqm, featured ~1,496.

In total, the NPP’s May Day rally had, at the time Ameen’s photos were taken, around 231,087 people at Galle Face.

This is roughly around the same number DIG Hapugoda noted (221,000) and the upper limit of what de Alwis’ query from ChatGPT generated (225,000). 

The story was originally published on LinkedIn and has been published on Newswire with the author’s consent. 

The post Doing the math: Attendance at the 2025 May Day rally of the NPP appeared first on Newswire.

The National People’s Power (NPP) has informed the Police that around 5,532 buses will arrive at the Galle Face Green in Colombo for the party’s May Day rally, commemorating Labour Day today, it was reported.

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda, said around 221,000 people will arrive via the buses. 

He said arrangements have been made to park the buses at Khan Roundabout, Fort Railway Station, Regal Cinema, Old Manning Market, Gamini Roundabout, Baladaksha Mawatha, Galle Central Road, Ood MOD land, in front of the Sri Lanka Air Force building, Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawath, Colpetty Junction, and near the Colombo Lotus Tower.

Stating that 85 Police officers have been deployed for traffic management in Colombo today, he said that around 2000 Police officers, including those in civil, Special Task Force, and Intelligence Unit, have also been deployed across Colombo. (Newswire)

The post Over 5000 buses expected in Colombo for NPP rally appeared first on Newswire.

A letter signed by 115 National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarians, calling for the removal of suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, was handed over to the Speaker of Parliament today.

Deshabandu Tennakoon is currently in remand custody in connection with a high-profile shooting incident that occurred in front of a hotel in Weligama in 2023.

He has been accused of orchestrating the shooting involving officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Weligama Police, and the Special Task Force (STF), which led to the death of a CCD officer and injuries to another. (Newswire)

The post 115 NPP MPs hand over letter seeking Removal of IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon appeared first on Newswire.

The government has decided to submit a motion to Parliament to remove suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from his position.

The motion is to be handed over to the Speaker of Parliament by a group of National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarians today. 

Deshabandu Tennakoon is currently in remand custody in connection to the shooting incident in front of a prominent hotel in Weligama in 2023.

He is accused of orchestrating the shooting involving officers from the Colombo Crimes Division, Weligama Police, and the Special Task Force, resulting in the death of a CCD officer and injuries to another. (Newswire)

The post Govt to submit motion to remove Deshabandu from IGP role appeared first on Newswire.

National People’s Power (NPP) Mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazar expressed confidence in her party’s success in the upcoming 2025 local government elections.

She made these comments after the NPP candidates placed deposits to contest the 2025 local government polls.

“The public has already made their decision. We have overturned Parliament, so this will not be a challenge,” Balthazar said.

“We have a strong team of candidates and supporters. To implement our national program, we must consolidate power at the local government level,” she added.

Balthazar highlighted key issues such as housing and waste management, pledging sustainable solutions to address these challenges. (Newswire)

The post NPP hands over nominations for Colombo : Vraie mayoral candidate appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the adoption of the “Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeewithayak” policy statement as the government’s policy framework.

The policy declaration “Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeewithayak” (A wealthy country – A beautiful life) has been presented with the aim of sustainable economic growth and development with the aim of a gross domestic product of US$ 120 billion face value in 2030 through a strong production economy. 

According to the government, it is grouped under the following 04 main sectors representing all areas including economic, social, environmental and political strata.

• A holistic life –a  comfortable country
• A respectable life – a secure country 
• A modern life – a wealthy country 
• A dignified life – a steady country 

Under those 04 areas, 40 sub-sectors have been recognized, while policies, concepts and actions have also been identified regarding those sectors. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to accept the policy declaration “Pohosath Ratak – Lassana Jeewithayak” as the government’s national policy framework.

The President’s proposal also calls to plan and implement all activities accordingly by all the Ministries, Departments, state institutions, provincial councils and local government institutions. (Newswire)

The post “Pohosath Ratak-Lassana Jeewithayak” adopted as Govt’s policy framework appeared first on Newswire.

National People’s Power (NPP) Executive Committee Member, Kaushalya Ariyarathne has shot down claims of the government’s budget for the financial year 2025 being “neoliberal”.

In a statement on social media, Kaushalya Ariyarathne outlined the highest budget allocations, stating that this alone highlights the government’s priorities.

The NPP Executive Committee Member highlighted the following budget allocations, 

• Inclusive Social Security System – Rs. 749 billion
• Education – Rs. 619 billion
• Health – Rs. 604 billion
• Public Transport – Rs. 483 billion

“These priorities speak for themselves. Of course, this can improve next year. Our focus is on people’s welfare, public services, and social equity,- a clear reflection of our policy direction,” she added. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the Appropriation Bill for the 2025 financial year to Parliament yesterday.

As per the 2025 Budget, Rs. 4,990 billion has been allocated for total revenue and grants, Rs. 7,190 billion for total expenditure, and the Budget deficit is Rs. 2,200 billion. (Newswire)

The post NPP MP explains why Budget 2025 not “Neoliberal” appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa today raised concerns in Parliament over incidents of members of the National People’s Power (NPP) threatening citizens in various areas. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Rajapaksa revealed that a video has widely been circulated on social media of an NPP member threatening a resident of Matale. 

He further said that similar incidents have been reported from the Akuressa and Angunukolapelessa as well.

MP Rajapaksa said people claiming to be government representatives are threatening people expressing views against the government.

He called on the government to refrain from oppressing the people and controlling the media and further urged the government to educate its rural representatives. (Newswire)

The post Who is your agent threatening locals? Namal questions Govt appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the presentation of the Appropriation Bill for the 2025 financial year to Parliament today, according to Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. 

The Appropriation Bill for the 2025 financial year was approved for presentation in Parliament during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held this morning. 

The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will present the 2025 Budget to Parliament this morning, with the President making his inaugural budget speech.

The Appropriation Bill for the 2025 financial year outlines the government’s proposed expenditure for the year from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

The total estimated government expenditure for the said period for 2025 has been set at Rs. 4,218 billion. (Newswire)

The post Cabinet approval to present Budget 2025 to Parliament today appeared first on Newswire.

A petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking an order to invalidate the parliamentary seat of Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.

The petition was submitted by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Administrative Secretary Renuka Perera, naming Minister Wijepala, the Secretary-General of Parliament, and the Attorney General as respondents.

The petitioner claims that Wijepala was appointed as Public Security Minister on November 18, 2024, but was later reported to have been appointed as the President’s Chief of Staff, according to a report published on the Sunday Times on December 10, 2024. Perera said Wijepala’s appointment to the President’s staff had been confirmed by a Right to Information (RTI) request.

Citing Article 91 of the Constitution, the petition argues that a state official cannot hold a parliamentary seat or vote in Parliament, making Wijepala ineligible to serve as an MP.

The petition requests the court to declare Wijepala disqualified from holding a parliamentary seat and issue an interim order preventing him from attending Parliament and voting until a final ruling is made.

Additionally, it seeks an interim order preventing him from functioning as the Public Security Minister. (Newswire)

The post Key NPP Minister’s MP position challenged in Court appeared first on Newswire.

One suspect has been arrested in connection to the protest against National People’s Power (NPP) MPs Wijesiri Basnayake and Ajith Gihan during their visit to a private apparel factory in the Bingiriya area yesterday.

Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that investigations are underway to arrest eight more suspects involved in the incident. 

The arrest comes after video footage emerged of MPs Wijesiri Basnayake and Ajith Gihan being accused of extortion during their visit to the garment factory.

The video shared by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara shows a group accusing the MPs of extortion as they arrived near the gate of the factor, protesting their visit. 

MP Wijesiri Basnayake revealed that they had visited the factory for a discussion as previously arranged, but a group had misbehaved as they were exiting the premises. 

The video footage also shows the protesting group blocking a jeep with the logo of “Member of Parliament”, and verbally abusing and attacking another van.

The protesters told the media that persons linked to the NPP, who are currently engaged in the transportation activities of the garment factory, are trying to remove the existing group and take full control of the transportation activities.

“A lot of people run these vehicles under finance loans. This group is attempting to remove all of them and provide their vehicles. They claim they are doing this because it is their government and they are telling us to leave. As we did not agree to several requests before, they have started coming to the factory to influence,” the protesters alleged.

NPP representatives have denied the accusation revealing that they had requested the MPs to stop extortion gangs who are linked to defeated politicians. (Newswire)

The post Police probe to arrest suspects in protest against two Government MPs appeared first on Newswire.

National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Colombo MP Dr Rizvie Salih says the NPP is of the view that the primary condition for leading a ministry should be a person’s qualifications, skills, and political acumen, and not their gender, race, or religion.

Responding to criticism over no Muslim representatives in the newly appointed Cabinet, Dr Rizvie Salih said he has full confidence that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed the right individuals to the right ministries.

In a statement on social media, Dr Rizvie Salih said “As someone with far more insight into their capabilities and contributions than the rest of us, his decisions are undoubtedly rooted in merit.”

Dr Rizvie Salih pointed out that the calls to appoint a minister based solely on religion risk fueling unnecessary divisions and undermining the very unity the country needs to move forward.

“We elected the NPP because we trust their vision and commitment to building a better Sri Lanka for everyone, regardless of religious or ethnic differences. Let us honour that trust by giving this government the space to deliver results without being distracted by divisive debates over who we think should hold specific ministries. What matters is the progress of the country, not the labels of individuals,” he added. (Newswire)

The post NPP MP responds to criticism over No Muslim rep in Cabinet appeared first on Newswire.

The new Cabinet of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government was sworn in at the Presidential Secretariat this morning.

The swearing-in ceremony commenced with Dr. Harini Amarasuriya taking oaths as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

A Cabinet consisting of 22 Ministers has been appointed under the new government. 

The newly appointed Cabinet of Ministers is as follows; 

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake – Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Defence and Digital Economy
2. PM Harini Amarasuriya – Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education 
3. Vijitha Herath – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism
4. Prof Chandana Abeyratne – Minister of Public Administration, Provincial & Local Councils
5. Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara – Minister of Justice and National Integration 
6. Saroja Savithri Paulraj – Minister of Women and Child Affairs
7. K.D. Lalkantha – Minister of Irrigation, Livestock, Agriculture, and Lands
8. Anura Karunathilake – Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing 
9. Ramalingam Chandrasekar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
10. Prof. Upali Pannilage – Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment
11. Sunil Handunneththi – Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development 
12. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
13. Bimal Rathnayake – Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation
14. Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi – Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs
15. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Media 
16. Samantha Widyaratne – Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure
17. Sunil Kumara Gamage – Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs
18. Wasantha Samarasinghe – Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development
19. Prof. Krishantha Abeysena – Minister of Science and Technology 
20. Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando – Minister of Labour 
21. Eng. Kumara Jayakody – Minister of Energy 
22. Dr. Dhammika Patabendi – Minister of Environment (Newswire)

The post 22-member Cabinet appointed under the NPP Government appeared first on Newswire.

The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) has won nine (09) seats in the Kandy District under the Preferential voting system.

The preferential votes for the Kandy District are as follows;

NPP – 09 seats

K.D. Lal Kantha – 316,951 votes

Jagath Manuwarna – 128,678 votes

Prasanna Gunasena – 94,242 votes

Hansaka Wijemuni – 82,926 votes

Thanura Dissanayake – 78,526 votes

E.M. Basnayake – 72,929 votes

Riyaz Faruk – 64,043 votes

Thushari Jayasinghe – 58,223 votes

Mohomed Pasmin – 57,716 votes. 

SJB – 02 seats

Rauf Hakeem – 30,883 votes

Chamindranee Kiriella – 30,780 votes

NDF – 01 seat

Anuradha Jayarathne – 20,749 votes. (Newswire)

The post Kandy Preferential votes announced appeared first on Newswire.