Speaking at a media briefing held at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) headquarters today, MP Mujibur Rahman provided a detailed analysis of the recent local government election results and criticized the government’s response.
Rahman stated that out of the 339 local government institutions in the country, the National People’s Power (NPP) secured a majority in 151. Opposition groups, including the SJB, gained control of 132 institutions, while 56 were won by parties in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
He further noted that, following the release of the results, the Leader of the Opposition issued a special statement calling on all opposition groups to unite and form administrative control in councils where they hold a majority. The Opposition Leader has expressed his readiness to lead this effort. In addition, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has initiated discussions with opposition representatives and leaders of political parties with influence in local councils. Their goal is to implement a unified, people-focused program across these institutions.
Rahman also highlighted concerns regarding government interference. He said that while government ministers claimed the opposition would somehow be allowed to assume power in local authorities, President Anura Dissanayake had declared that the government would reclaim control in three months—suggesting that this would be done through legislative changes, backed by a parliamentary majority.
Moreover, Rahman accused the President of attempting to intimidate voters by stating, prior to the elections, that funding would not be allocated to local bodies not under the control of the NPP. He called this an indirect form of coercion. However, he emphasized that the electorate did not bow to such threats, instead increasing support for the opposition. He pointed out that the NPP lost approximately 2.3 million votes in this election cycle. Notably, a significant number of votes went to independent groups and opposition alliances, ultimately enabling them to secure more seats than the ruling party.
Rahman criticized the government’s failure to fulfill its campaign promises, stating this was the real reason behind their electoral setback—not the actions of the opposition. He stressed that popularity does not typically decline within just six months of assuming office unless promises are broken. He further alleged that a speech by President Dissanayake at the JVP convention contributed to the decline in NPP support.
Commenting on the legal framework for establishing power in local councils, Rahman argued that the President was acting contrary to existing laws. He clarified that in councils where no group holds a clear majority, the law mandates a vote to elect the chairman, vice-chairman, or mayor. The President’s decision to bypass this process, he said, violates the Local Government Ordinance. According to Rahman, the President is attempting to suppress the independent decision-making power of local government representatives, which he described as a “dangerous” development.
He further stated that the government appears unwilling to accept the defeat of the NPP and is avoiding a proper analysis of its electoral failure. “If the government truly wants to regain the people’s support, it must fulfill its promises instead of resorting to threats,” he said.
Rahman emphasized that all—including the President—must abide by the country’s laws. He accused the President of acting above the law despite having once claimed to respect it. Highlighting a perceived contradiction, he noted that Anura Dissanayake played a key role in drafting the current local government election laws while in the opposition, and had advocated strongly for this voting system. Now in power, Dissanayake has claimed the system is flawed.
Rahman acknowledged that while the system may indeed have limitations, it remains the law of the land, and any changes must come through parliamentary procedure—not unilateral action. He warned that bypassing democratic norms through intimidation is unacceptable.
He also criticized the President for failing to honor Sri Lanka’s political history. “No one can forget the role Mr. Dissanayake and his group played in hindering the country’s progress in the past,” he said. Rahman accused the President of prioritizing the agendas of the IMF, World Bank, and the Indian Prime Minister over national interest. He claimed that the JVP and NPP have abandoned their long-held leftist ideology and have shifted toward right-wing politics.
Rahman asserted that there is now a visible rift within the NPP and JVP, as their internal contradictions and ideological shifts come to light. He warned that this internal crisis would soon be apparent to the broader public, noting that while the JVP once led significant struggles to uphold leftist ideals, today it aligns with extreme right-wing stances.
In conclusion, MP Mujibur Rahman said that the political ideology carefully built over 60 years has been betrayed, and that the country is now heading toward a deepening political crisis under the current administration.
