Two more NPP-controlled local councils face budget defeats

• At yesterday’s meeting, only seven government members and nine Opposition members were present. The absence of two ruling party members contributed to the budget’s defeat

By Bandu Thambawita and Indika Aruna Kumara
The 2026 annual budget proposals of two local councils controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP) were defeated yesterday (13) by a single vote.  
At the Dodangoda Pradeshiya Sabha, the budget presented by Chairman Nilusha Kavirathna de Silva was defeated by one vote during the monthly council meeting. Twelve NPP members voted in favour, while 13 Opposition members representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Independent Group, National Freedom Front (NFF), Sarvajana Balaya and the United National Party (UNP) 
voted against it.  
Meanwhile, the 2026 budget proposal of the Naula Pradeshiya Sabha, also under NPP control, was defeated by one vote as well. The Naula Council comprises 18 members, equally divided between the ruling party and the Opposition. At yesterday’s meeting, only seven government members and nine Opposition members were present. The absence of two ruling party members contributed to the budget’s defeat.