Vraie Balthazaar elected Mayor of Colombo

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 03:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Balthazaar becomes Colombo’s first NPP Mayor in historic vote
Secures 61 votes via secret ballot, following initial debate over its format
Rival SJB candidate Mohammed Riza Zarook receives 54 votes, with two votes declared invalid
New Mayor calls for unity and cooperation across all 117 CMC members, regardless of party lines
Attributes win to early support from independent groups aligned with NPP principles
Hemantha Kumara of NPP appointed Deputy Mayor in same session

In a closely contested secret ballot, Vraie Cally Balthazaar of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) was yesterday elected Mayor of Colombo, securing a narrow majority in the 117-member Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). It was the first time in Colombo’s history that a member of the NPP was elected to the city’s top Municipal post.

As reported by yesterday’s (16) Daily FT, she was elected through a secret ballot following initial debate over its format, marking the first session of the newly constituted CMC following the 2025 Local Government (LG) polls.

Balthazaar received 61 votes, defeating her rival Mohammed Riza Zarook of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who garnered 54 votes. Two votes were declared invalid.

“This is a historic moment for the CMC. We have a long journey ahead. The CMC is not like Parliament. We must work together, not as the ruling party or Opposition, but as one united body coming to improve Colombo,” she said in her inaugural address to Council members after being elected.

Balthazaar stressed the importance of collaboration across political parties, noting that all 117 members share collective responsibility for the city’s development. “Our mandate is to serve the people of Colombo and that cannot be done through division,” she added.

In a further boost to the NPP, Hemantha Kumara was appointed Deputy Mayor during the same session.

When asked how the NPP managed to secure the votes, Balthazaar said there were many independent groups who extended support from the beginning and thus the outcome is no surprise.

“I think they also endorse the ideology and principles of the NPP to serve the city of Colombo,” she added.

In the 2024 LG Elections, the NPP secured 48 seats in the CMC. The SJB won 29 seats, while the remaining seats were distributed among other parties and independent groups.