Vraie Balthazaar Nominated for Mayor : Lalkantha

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister K.D. Lalkantha announced that the National People's Power (NPP) has officially secured control of the Colombo Municipal Council.

Speaking in Kandy, Minister Lalkantha confirmed that the NPP has not only won the highest number of seats—48 in total—but has also secured the backing of 11 additional council members from the United Peace Alliance, Democratic National Alliance, and independent groups. 

This brings the NPP’s total to 59 seats, the exact number required to form a majority in the 117-member council.

He revealed that the NPP has selected Vraie Cally Balthazaar as its mayoral nominee and completed all internal procedures. The formal announcement is expected once the council convenes.

Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), which secured 29 seats, is still deliberating its mayoral candidate. 

SJB Deputy General Secretary Mujibur Rahuman stated that Riza Zarook is under consideration, but a final decision will be made once the council meeting date is confirmed.

“We initially anticipated the council would meet on the 2nd, but members must be given at least seven days’ notice,” Rahuman explained. “We will officially announce our mayoral candidate in the coming days.”

The United National Party (UNP) won 13 seats, while the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) secured 5.