The inaugural session of the Colombo Municipal Council began today (16) under the leadership of Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara.

With no party securing a majority in the recent LG election, tensions rose over whether the Mayor will be elected by secret or open ballot.

A vote is expected to decide the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, with the National People’s Power (NPP) holding 48 seats and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)  29 in the 117-member council.