Reports indicate that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) has completed the necessary steps to establish control of the Colombo Municipal Council. This development reportedly comes as most opposition groups and independent councilors are unwilling to support the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).
Consequently, Ms. Vrai Cally Balthazaar is seen as the most likely candidate for the position of Mayor of Colombo.
However, opposition councilors allege that the government is proposing to offer money to councilors. SJB Members of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara and S.M. Marikkar claim that recordings of these alleged offers will be made public within the next few days.
They further stated that proposals have been made to offer 20 million Rupees for a Colombo Municipal Councilor, with bids ranging from 1 million Rupees upwards in more distant areas.
