Are NPP-led local bodies in a fix amidst budget defeats?

• Members must present valid reasons to vote against
• No resignation of the chairman during first two years

Colombo, Nov. 21 (Daily Mirror) - A series of recent budget defeats across several Pradeshiya Sabhas—many controlled by the governing National People’s Power (NPP), has raised concerns about the stability and functioning of local government bodies.

Budgets of the Yatiyanthota, Badulla, Naula and Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabhas were among those defeated in recent days.

Amidst concerns, when inquired, a senior official at the Ministry of Public Administration told the Daily Mirror that while councils may reject a budget, members who vote against it must present “valid and reasonable” explanations for doing so, since the budget manages public funds.

According to the official, a defeated budget can be presented again for a second vote. If it is rejected for a second time, the council can still continue to function, though questions may arise about the chairman’s leadership.

“The chairman will be required to resign only if the budget is defeated in the third year,” the official noted, adding that councillors have a responsibility to justify their objections to the chairman.

Under the governing legislation, if an Urban Council or Pradeshiya Sabha modifies, rejects or adds items to the annual or supplementary budget and the chairman disagrees, the budget must be resubmitted for further consideration. If the council still fails to pass it within two weeks of resubmission, the budget is automatically deemed adopted—even without formal approval.

Commenting on the situation, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe told Parliament that the bankrupt opposition has resorted to a conspiracy by defeating the budgets of local Government institutions controlled by the National People's Power (NPP).

He said the opposition is opposing people in the respective areas where the budgets are defeated.

"The first budget of the NPP controlled local institutions is presented for the next year. We have presented budgets targeting the development in the areas. The bankrupt opposition is opposing the budgets of local Institutions. They are opposing the people in those areas," he said.

The National People’s Power (NPP) emerged as the clear winner in the 2025 Local Government Elections securing 4,503,930 votes (43.26%) and 3,927 seats across Sri Lanka.

The party is leading in 266 local councils, including 23 Municipal Councils, 26 Urban Councils, and 217 Pradeshiya Sabhas.