Vraie takes oath as 26th Mayor of Colombo

Thursday, 19 June 2025 03:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Vraie Cally Balthazaar of the National People’s Power (NPP) was yesterday sworn in as the 26th Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

She became the first NPP member to hold the city’s top municipal post and the second female Mayor in the history of the CMC.

She secured a narrow majority in the 117-member CMC 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.

Since 1956, the Colombo Municipal Council has been predominantly controlled by the United National Party (UNP) or its affiliates. Thus, NPP’s victory marks a historic shift in Colombo’s political landscape.