Bibila Chairman Chosen by Lot After Tie

Colombo(New 1st); In a series of decisive local government meetings held today, the National People's Power (NPP) made significant gains, securing leadership in several key councils.

In Padawasnuwara, Sanjeewa Karuna Sagara narrowly clinched the Chairman post with 19 votes, edging out SJB’s Mano Kumara Edirisinghe by a single vote. The Deputy Chairman post also went to the NPP’s Bandula Samarawikrama.

Tensions flared when elected member Sirantha Pathmalal was denied entry due to his name not being gazetted. A brief confrontation ensued, with Pathmalal asserting his legitimacy and military background before being escorted out.

Meanwhile, in Bibila-Madagama, a deadlock between the NPP and SJB was broken by drawing lots, resulting in NPP’s Ajith Priyantha Rathnayake being appointed Chairman. The Deputy Chairman post went to the Podujana Eksath Peramuna with the support of an independent member.

In Minipe', the NPP further solidified its influence, with Ranjan Bandara Gunaratna elected Chairman, aided by an independent candidate previously aligned with the SJB.