NPP secures Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha

Colombo, Nov. 18 (Daily Mirror) - The National People’s Power (NPP) secured control of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha today with the election of P.K. Premaratne as chairman, in a vote supervised by Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara.

The election took place nearly six months after the local government polls, following two earlier attempts on June 14 and July 18 that were postponed due to lack of quorum.

When the council convened, 24 members—including 23 NPP representatives and Sarwa Jana Balaya member Chandana Premanath Mudunkotuwa—opted for a secret ballot. However, 23 opposition members, who demanded an open vote, walked out in protest.

Despite the walkout, the Commissioner proceeded with the election as the quorum requirement had been met.

Premaratne received 23 votes and was declared elected chairman, while the Sarwa Jana Balaya member abstained. NPP member Priyantha Abeysinghe was unanimously appointed vice chairman.

Meanwhile, Sarwa Jana Balaya has suspended Mudunkotuwa’s party membership for defying the party’s position during the election. Party General Secretary Ranjan Seneviratne informed him in writing that a final decision will follow a formal disciplinary inquiry.