Making history as the second female Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council, Vrai Cally Balthazar of the National People’s Power (NPP) was elected as the Mayor of Colombo this morning.
Following a secret ballot, she secured 61 votes, defeating Riza Zarook of the Joint Opposition, who represented the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who received 54 votes. Two votes were rejected.
Accordingly, Vrai Balthazar becomes the 27th Mayor in the history of the Colombo Municipal Council, winning by a margin of two votes above the 59 required for a majority.
Who is Vrai Cally Balthazar?
Vrai Cally Balthazar is a scholar with a Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Colombo. She is also a rising political figure representing the National People’s Power party.
Vrai was nominated for the mayoral position by the NPP and entrusted with leading the Colombo election campaign due to her notable leadership qualities. She first rose to public prominence as a morning television presenter on MTV, where her strong communication skills and connection with audiences helped shape her public image.
From Social Entrepreneurship To Maoyrship
Her commitment to gender equality and sustainable living has been evident in both her professional life and political journey. She founded Cally Products, a business focused on biodegradable and reusable solutions, and has been a vocal advocate for eco-friendly practices and sustainable livelihoods. Her introduction of Cally Reusable Bags is a standout example of her entrepreneurial efforts.
Her mayoral candidacy was officially announced on March 9, 2025, following her contest of the 2024 general election, during which she garnered an impressive 44,633 votes—a significant achievement for a newcomer, placing 18th in the Colombo district. Though she did not secure a parliamentary seat, her strong showing positioned her as a formidable candidate for local government leadership.
Vrai entered the mayoral race with a bold campaign focused on clean governance, anti-corruption measures, urban reform, waste management, and affordable housing. During the campaign, she passionately declared, “We changed Parliament. Now, we must change local governments.”
All eyes are now on how Vrai Balthazar will lead Colombo. The direction she sets is expected to have national implications and could even influence the future of the government itself.
Vrai Cally Balthazar Is the Mayor of Colombo – Only the Announcement Remains, Says Lal Kantha
