In a significant political move, former President and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has spearheaded an initiative to establish governing bodies in all local authorities where the National People’s Power (NPP) does not hold a majority, including the Colombo Municipal Council.
Leaders of opposition political parties reached an agreement during a meeting held today, May 14, at Mr. Wickremesinghe’s political office on Flower Road, Colombo.
To this end, the General Secretaries of the respective parties are scheduled to meet on May 15, 2025, to prepare the nomination lists for the local authorities where power will be established.
The meeting saw the participation of several prominent political figures, including former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena; Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara representing the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB); Namal Rajapaksa, the National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP); Nimal Siripala de Silva and Duminda Dissanayake representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP); Anura Priyadarshana Yapa of the United National Front; Palani Thigambaran, leader of the Workers’ National Front; Mano Ganeshan, leader of the Democratic People’s Front; Udaya Gammanpila, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya; Jeevan Thondaman, General Secretary of the Lanka Labour Congress; Asanka Navaratne, Sugeeshwara Bandara, and Veera Kumara Dissanayake representing the New Democratic Front; former Members of Parliament Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon, Premnath C. Dolawatta, Nimal Lanza, and Mohamed Muzammil; and representing the UNP, its Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake, and former Minister Harin Fernando.
Former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has been entrusted with the responsibility of convening these joint meetings of opposition party leaders regarding the acquisition of power in the local authorities.
Reports indicate that a decision was also reached to hold future discussions with all groups opposed to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led NPP and to work together.
