The National People’s Power (NPP) recently inaugurated its new Gampaha District public coordination office.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of ministers Vijitha Herath, Mahinda Jayasinghe, and Muneer Mulaffer.
Colombo Mayoral Race in Limbo as Wickremesinghe Enters Fray
Colombo remains without a clear majority in its Municipal Council following the recent local government elections, leading to a state of uncertainty regarding who will assume power.
Initial prospects favored the National People’s Power (NPP) as many opposition groups and independent members reportedly harbored reservations about supporting Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB).
However, the political landscape shifted with the return of former President and United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe from his India tour. Sources indicate that he has actively engaged in the battle for control of the Colombo Municipal Council. Wickremesinghe has reportedly held discussions with key figures within the SJB, as well as independent groups and smaller parties.
These discussions, according to insiders, are aimed at finding a consensus candidate who is acceptable to the opposition and capable of effectively serving Colombo as Mayor. In the recent elections, the NPP secured 81,814 votes (36.92%) and 48 seats in the Colombo Municipal Council. The SJB emerged as the second-largest party with 58,375 votes (26.34%) and 29 seats.
To secure a majority in the Colombo Municipal Council, 59 seats are required. This means the NPP needs an additional 11 seats to gain control, while the SJB requires 30 more seats.
The UNP, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), and independent groups collectively hold 40 seats in the council. Political sources suggest that the two main contenders, the NPP and the SJB, are intensely lobbying these members to gain their support. Spokespersons for both the NPP and the SJB have issued statements expressing confidence in their respective parties’ victory.
SJB Suffers Shock Defeat in Colombo Mayoral Race to 19-Year-Old Rival
Despite Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa’s assertion of securing power in the Colombo Municipal Council, the party’s mayoral candidate has been defeated by a 19-year-old female candidate from the National People’s Power (NPP).
The SJB nominated Dr. Ruweys Haniffa, representing a division in Borella, as their mayoral candidate for Colombo. The NPP fielded a 19-year-old as their candidate for the same division.
Minister Vijitha Herath’s response to the SJB’s ongoing campaigns has been released separately.
“Anura Won’t Cope”: Dinana Dakuna Warns of Dire Debt Crisis Under Current Leadership
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake lacks the strength to face the looming economic challenges of 2028, particularly the significant debt repayments due that year, stated Attorney-at-Law Shiral Lakthilaka during a press conference organized by ‘Dinana Dakuna’ (Winning South), a collective aiming to reinstate right-wing politics.
The press briefing, held on May 8th at the Janaki Hotel in Colombo 05 under the theme “‘Anura Can’t’: Poverty of the Compass in the Face of 2028 Debt Repayments,” saw Lakthilaka express strong doubts about the president’s economic capabilities.
“President Anura Kumara had ample opportunity in the last six months to demonstrate a robust plan to overcome the severe challenges Sri Lanka faces as a nation, but he has failed to show any such plan,” Lakthilaka asserted. “Furthermore, an even more daunting challenge than what we currently face is expected in 2028. To overcome this, a strong plan built through multilateral discussions is essential. President Anura’s journey so far indicates a groping in the dark rather than a solid strategy. Therefore, we believe that Anura cannot face the economic challenges of 2028.”
During the media briefing, the “Debt Repayment Truth Meter” was also launched, along with the unveiling of sltruthmeter.com, a real-time update website intended to monitor the government’s economic activities and disseminate factual information to the public.
The event saw the participation of several prominent figures, including President’s Counsel Maithree Gunaratne, Nishantha Warnasinghe, Dr. Mahesh Hapugoda, Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon, Nadeesh de Silva, Maheel Bandara, Madhuri Ranasinghe, and Attorney-at-Law Sudarshana Gunawardhana, in addition to Shiral Lakthilaka.
At the occasion, ‘Dinana Dakuna’ released a statement titled “Statement on the Wicked Challenges Facing the Country.” The statement highlighted the “wicked problem” of the debt economy and its ten primary dynamics, including the reliance on borrowing for development, lack of wealth generation, consumption-based short-term growth, artificial asset growth, debt servicing consuming growth profits, continuous borrowing, vulnerability to external economic pressures, the vicious cycle of the financial economy built by the debt economy, the collapse of the production economy due to decreased purchasing power, and rising social inequality.
The collective emphasized that such complex crises lack simple solutions and require a creative and practical mindset developed through multilateral discussions (Design Thinking) for continuous improvement.
The statement also raised critical questions about the government’s plan to exit the current debt economy when foreign debt repayments recommence in 2028, questioning the existence of a robust economic vision beyond conventional approaches and whether the groundwork for this is being laid between 2025 and 2028.
Highlighting the scale of the challenge, ‘Dinana Dakuna’ pointed out that Sri Lanka needs to pay USD 3.107 billion in debt installments in 2028, comprising USD 2.133 billion in annual primary debt installments and USD 974 million in annual interest. The statement further detailed the current pressures on the country’s debt economy, including an estimated revenue of USD 16.7 billion and a budget deficit of USD 7.3 billion in 2025, a trade deficit of USD 6.07 billion in 2024, leading to an estimated annual new borrowing of USD 13.37 billion. The total national debt stood at USD 95.25 billion as of June 2024, with a projected increase suggesting a total debt of USD 141 billion by the end of 2027, making the 2028 debt repayments potentially unmanageable based on current income levels.
Sky-High Taxes Stall Vehicle Sales in Sri Lanka
Vehicle importers report a significant slump in demand despite recent imports, attributing the downturn to exorbitant tax percentages that have inflated prices beyond the reach of most buyers.
Currently, only luxury vehicles catering to the affluent are being sold, while sales to the average middle-class consumer have drastically declined.
Importers warn that this situation could jeopardize the government’s anticipated tax revenue targets.
Dramatic Shift in Political Landscape: NPP Support Wanes Significantly, Warns Herath
The National People’s Power’s (NPP) voter base is highly dynamic and has experienced a substantial decline in six months, according to Former Member of the Parliament Dr. Charitha Herath. He criticized certain leaders for ignoring this situation, describing it as a serious delusion. Herath believes that Anuruddha Dissanayake, Lal Kantha, and Vijitha Herath understand the gravity of this trend.
Regarding the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Herath noted that the gains in their voter base are insufficient, suggesting they could have achieved a more significant victory. He stressed the need for a closer examination of this situation.
Herath emphasized that the resurgence of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) must be taken seriously, stating that significant changes are necessary for them to regain state power. However, he expressed doubt that the party is ready for such transformations, making it difficult for them to achieve this goal.
He acknowledged that the United National Party’s (UNP) 4.8 lakh votes constitute a significant number and that future decisions should be made with a clear understanding of this.
Herath pointed out that out of the country’s 17 million voters, approximately 8 million are not affiliated with any political party, highlighting a growing trend of non-partisan voters since 2015. He also noted the weakening appeal of Anura Dissanayake’s address and the challenge of creating a new, effective alternative.
Herath underscored that creating a new address to replace Anura Dissanayake’s is the main challenge and that preparations should be made for this.
Sabotage Allegations Rock SJB: Internal Forces Accused of Undermining Sajith Premadasa
A pro-Sajith Premadasa newspaper, Mawrata, has leveled serious accusations against internal factions within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), alleging a concerted effort to sabotage the party leader despite the SJB’s increased vote base in the recent elections.
The report claims that Mr. Premadasa did not receive adequate support from within the party, suggesting that the SJB could have achieved a significantly greater victory if not for internal undermining.
Further allegations point to the SJB media unit for allegedly inviting MPs with opposing views to press conferences and for sowing discord among younger parliamentarians. MPs Prasad Sirivardhana, Charith Abeysinghe, and Waruna Deeptha Rajapaksa are reportedly facing internal opposition amidst these accusations.
The newspaper also details an alleged conspiracy following the previous presidential election defeat, where senior SJB figures, including Kavinda Jayawardhana, Hirunika Premachandra, and Eranda Welikange, purportedly pushed for Sajith Premadasa’s removal as party leader in favor of Harsha de Silva.
The Mawrata report includes extensive quotes detailing these alleged internal sabotaging efforts. The newspaper claims that while Mr. Premadasa campaigned tirelessly nationwide, certain senior members actively criticized him behind his back, questioned his ability to win elections, and ridiculed his appearance and speaking style. The report states they have ample evidence of these actions and intend to reveal the identities of these “conspirators” in a future special article.
The report further alleges that these individuals plotted in Colombo to oust Mr. Premadasa after the elections, anticipating a poor performance by the SJB. It contrasts this with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) strategy of mobilizing its MPs at the grassroots level, suggesting the SJB could have performed much better had its senior members actively supported the campaign.
The SJB media unit is also accused of being aligned with these “conspirators,” actively working to undermine Mr. Premadasa and failing to defend him against attacks. The report claims the media unit prioritizes inviting dissenting MPs to press conferences and spreads negativity among young parliamentarians.
Adding to the turmoil, the resignation of SJB Chairman Imithiyas Bakeer Markar during the election period is highlighted as another element of the alleged conspiracy. The report questions the timing and public nature of his resignation, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to weaken the SJB’s electoral prospects. Despite this, Mr. Premadasa reappointed Mr. Markar as chairman.
The report also sheds light on alleged attacks targeting rising young SJB leaders Prasad Sirivardhana, Charith Abeysinghe, and Waruna Deeptha Rajapaksa. These MPs are credited with spearheading a successful social media campaign for the SJB in the recent local government elections, a significant improvement from previous elections where the party struggled in this area. However, their success has reportedly triggered opposition from within the party’s senior ranks, indicating resistance to the rise of new leadership.
The newspaper asserts that the conspiracy to undermine Mr. Premadasa and the SJB dates back to the previous presidential election. It claims that senior SJB members actively worked against efforts by individuals from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to join and support Mr. Premadasa. They allegedly slandered these potential allies and opposed their appointment as organizers. Following Mr. Premadasa’s defeat, these “conspirators” allegedly sought to align the SJB with the United National Party (UNP) and its leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The report further details an alleged attempt to sabotage the SJB’s May Day rally held just six days before the local government elections. It claims that senior members shirked responsibility for organizing the rally in Colombo, with the task ultimately being taken up by plantation leaders Digambaram and Radhakrishnan in Thalawakelle.
An incident concerning Mr. Premadasa’s rushed departure from the Thalawakelle May Day rally due to adverse weather conditions for his return helicopter flight is also highlighted. The report criticizes senior SJB leaders and the media unit for failing to clarify the situation, allowing the government and other factions to launch a social media attack against Mr. Premadasa and the SJB. Only Mr. Radhakrishnan publicly defended Mr. Premadasa’s actions.
The Mawrata report hints at further revelations, stating their intention to expose another plan by these “conspirators” in their upcoming “Rajya Rahas” column. They claim these individuals anticipated an SJB defeat in the local government elections and plotted to convene the SJB parliamentary group to demand Mr. Premadasa’s resignation as party leader immediately after a poor showing.
The report suggests that Mr. Premadasa was aware of these internal machinations but chose to remain silent and focused on the election campaign to avoid creating further divisions within the party. It also alleges a prior conspiracy to prevent Mr. Premadasa from obtaining the position of Leader of the Opposition after the general election, including the drafting of a related letter.
Furthermore, the report mentions a post-general election meeting of these “conspirators” at the residence of an SJB MP in Gampaha, some of whom have since joined Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government.
The report also points to the incident where Thalatha Athukorala publicly criticized Mr. Premadasa after joining the UNP. It notes the silence of senior SJB members in defending their leader, with only young MPs Hesha Vithanage and S.M. Marikkar speaking out in his support. The report concludes by highlighting the contrast between the “conspirators'” expectation of an SJB defeat and the young MPs’ confidence in the party’s victory.
Finally, the report reiterates the allegation that certain senior SJB members, including Kavinda Jayawardhana, Hirunika Premachandra, and Eranda Weliange, called for Mr. Premadasa to step down as leader in favor of Harsha de Silva following the presidential election defeat, despite Mr. de Silva’s poor performance in his electorate.
JVP Central Committee Expresses Strong Disapproval Over NPP Parliamentarians, Hints at Cabinet Reshuffle
Reports indicate that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Central Committee has voiced strong displeasure regarding the conduct and performance of several parliamentary members of the National People’s Power (NPP).
Leader of both the JVP and NPP, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has reportedly heavily criticized certain powerful government parliamentarians for their subpar performance and careless statements on national issues.
Amidst a developing situation described as a “leadership crisis,” the JVP Central Committee has proposed a broad cabinet reshuffle. One of their most contentious suggestions is the removal of the current Prime Minister, Harini Amarasooriya.
While some factions within the party strongly advocate for Minister Bimal Ratnayake to be given a prominent government position, others propose that he should be appointed as the Prime Minister.
However, a section of senior JVP politburo members fears that drastic measures such as changing the Prime Minister could further destabilize the NPP and have suggested only a cabinet reshuffle.
Political whispers also suggest that the President is disappointed by the decline in public support for the NPP in the recent local government elections and has refrained from issuing an official statement following the results.
Tutor Linked To Student Suicide Faces Police Complaint; NPP Under Fire For Support
A tuition center owner, Navarayanapillai Sivanandaraja, who is facing accusations in connection with the alleged suicide of a schoolgirl from Kotahena, recently complained to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Sivanandaraja is also identified as a local government election candidate and an executive committee member of the National People’s Power (NPP) political party.
A statement made by Sivanandaraja to the media at the time of his CID appearance was subsequently shared on the official Facebook page of the NPP, drawing significant public backlash on social media. Adding to the controversy, the JJB has reportedly been promoting the same video as a paid advertisement on Facebook since yesterday.
The incident took a more serious turn following the girl’s death when, on May 6, 2025, a third party filed a complaint with the 109 hotline of the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Bureau. The complaint alleges that Sivanandaraja subjected the deceased student to severe mental distress in front of other children during a tuition class held at his institution, suggesting this distress led to her suicide.
Meanwhile, a meeting was held yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, involving the police team investigating the incident and the parents of the deceased child. The discussions focused on the ongoing inquiries into the tragic event.
Deputy Minister Alleges Opposition’s Lavish Campaign Tactics in LG Elections
Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeyasinghe has claimed that the opposition conducted an exceptionally strong campaign for the recent local government elections. He stated that the opposition invested more heavily in this election compared to the previous presidential and general elections.
Speaking during an online media discussion, Abeyasinghe alleged, “They gave goods to those who needed goods. They gave drinks to those who needed drinks. They even gave drugs to those who needed drugs… I don’t know about other constituencies, but especially in the Kotte constituency, this was actively happening for months.”
Notably, Dr. Harsha de Silva serves as the Kotte organizer for the main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
Meanwhile, Minister Vasantha Samarasinghe recently faced embarrassment in Parliament after attempting to accuse Dr. Harsha de Silva of a major rice fraud.