Opposition suspects foul play in election of Vraie Balthazaar as Colombo Mayor legal action considered

Says that there has been some form of manipulation 

By Yohan Perera

In the wake of Vraie Cally Balthazaar’s election as Mayor of Colombo, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has raised suspicions of foul play and indicated that legal action may be pursued.

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman, commenting after the election, claimed that his party suspects irregularities in the voting process.

“We believe there has been some form of manipulation. The National People’s Power (NPP) insisted on a secret ballot because they had a plan to influence the outcome through underhanded means,” Rahman told the Daily Mirror.

He added that the SJB would consult with party leadership before deciding on the next course of action.

Previously, Rahman warned that the party would initiate legal proceedings if the Local Government Commissioner of the Western Province, Saranga Jayasundara, violated ministry guidelines during the selection of a mayor in situations where no party holds a clear majority.

Echoing similar concerns, SJB Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) member Roy Bogahawatte also announced that his party is preparing to take legal action against the Local Government Commissioner.

Opposition parties, including the SJB, United National Party (UNP), and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), had called for an open vote, arguing that transparency was essential in such a closely contested vote. They said an open ballot is definitely included in the guidelines.