The inaugural 2026 budget of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), led by the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated by a margin of three votes.
During the vote, 57 councillors supported the budget, while 60 voted against it. The outcome was decided by the votes of two members of the Sarvajana Balaya, whose opposition led to the defeat of the NPP’s budget proposal.
According to a senior CMC member, the Council administration is allowed to present a new budget within 14 days, as provided under the Local Government Ordinance.
Veteran CMC councillor Tony Ramzi told the Daily Mirror that the law permits the submission of a revised budget. He added that, if necessary, the Minister in charge of Local Government also has the authority to approve a third budget, in line with legal provisions.
At the most recent Local Government Elections, the NPP gained control of the Colombo Municipal Council. Its mayoral candidate, Vraie Cally Balthazar, was elected Mayor of Colombo after securing 61 votes.
