Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam says the opposition should be allowed to nominate the next Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), given that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) holds the majority of council seats.

Kariyawasam stated that while the SJB has the democratic right to nominate a candidate, the individual should not be tainted by allegations of fraud or corruption.

He emphasised the need for a "non-controversial" figure to assume the mayoral role and maintain public trust in the council’s leadership.

The debate over the CMC mayoral appointment has been ongoing for weeks, with both the SJB and National People’s Power (NPP) seeking to install one of their own councillors in the post.