Colombo Municipal Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara confirms all arrangements are complete for today's election to select the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council.

This pivotal election, overseen by the Western Local Government Commissioner, will determine the new leadership of the council.

The inaugural session of the Colombo Municipal Council is scheduled for today, where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are expected to be elected.

The top post has been vacant since no single party secured a majority in the recent local government elections.

The National People's Power holds 48 seats in the Colombo Municipal Council, while the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and other parties collectively share 64 seats.

The Colombo Municipal Council, established in 1865 with its first meeting in 1866, has a rich history.

Charles Peter Layard was its first Chairman in January 1866.

The British controlled the administration until May 1937, when Ratnasothi Saravanamuthu became the first Sri Lankan Mayor.

Since then, the city has been governed by 25 different mayors, and the upcoming election will usher in its 26th mayor.

The Mayor's post has been under the control of a Commissioner since Rosy Senanayake vacated it on March 19, 2023.

In the lead-up to today's crucial session, there has been intense competition among major political parties to establish control in the council.

Yesterday, 29 members representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, including 11 women, took their oath before Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Similarly, a meeting of Urban Council members of the National People's Power and independent groups was also held in Colombo.

Election observation organisations have emphasised the importance of establishing power in local government institutions, according to public opinion.