NPP loses majority in CMC?

CMC budget for 2026 was approved by a majority of two votes with 58 members voting in favour and 56 against  in december 

Opposition member says will support NPP as and when good resolutions are presented to the council   

By Yohan Perera   

Opposition Member of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) M. Buhari Fathima who voted in favour of the NPP budget has lost her seat thus giving the opportunity for the Opposition to gain a majority of 59 seats in the council.   

A gazette has been issued by returning Officer Piyumi Attygalle stating that Ms. Fathima has lost her seat in CMC on February 9 2026. The gazette said the seat has fallen vacant.   

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) will now have to nominate a member to the CMC. This could result in the ruling NPP losing its majority in the CMC once again.   

Meanwhile, General Secretary SLMC Nizam Kariapper told Daily Mirror that his party will nominate a new member for the CMC shortly. “Party leader Rauff Hakeem will consult party seniors and will decide on a replacement,” he told Daily Mirror.   

CMC budget for 2026 was approved by a majority of two votes with 58 members voting in favour and 56 against. One Opposition member was absent during the day of the budget in December.   

Opposition Member of the CMC M. J. M. Riza told Daily Mirror that the Opposition commands 59 seats in the CMC. “We have showed our majority and had secured the control of the Finance Committee of the CMC and we now hold a majority. However, we will support the NPP as and when good resolutions are presented to the council,” he told Daily Mirror.