According to the final results of the local government elections, the ruling party has failed to secure the majority needed to form administrations in nearly 170 local authorities, including urban councils, municipal councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas.
As a result, the two main opposition parties—the National People’s Party and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)—have commenced discussions to establish control in these bodies by forming alliances with elected representatives from various parties.
Addressing Parliament on the matter, SJB MP S.M. Marikkar made a serious allegation against the government, claiming that financial incentives have been offered to opposition members to sway power in the Colombo Municipal Council. MP Marikkar further disclosed that a proposal has been made to offer Rs. 20 million to each council member.
In a related development, Kurunegala District SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged last week that the government had begun offering bribes to members of the Panduwasnuwara Pradeshiya Sabha. He stated that a payment of Rs. 2.5 million (Rs. 25 lakh) per member has been proposed.
It is reported that audio recordings related to these alleged transactions exist, and the opposition is preparing to release them to the public in the coming days.
In response to these serious accusations, the Chief Organizer of the ruling party, Bimal Ratnayake, strongly denied the claims during a parliamentary session. He stated that if any such incident is proven, the government would not hesitate to arrest and imprison all those involved.
