Vrai defeats SJB candidate to be elected Colombo Mayor

16 Jun, 2025

National Peoples Power (NPP) member Vraie Cally Balthazaar defeated Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Riza Zarook to be elected the new Mayor of Colombo.

Balthazaar secured 61 votes while Zarook secured 54 votes following a secret ballot.

A secret ballot was called for after the SJB decided to challenge Balthazaar’s nomination as Mayor.

Speaking after being elected Colombo Mayor, Vraie Cally Balthazaar said that the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is not like Parliament and all members must work together to rebuild the city.

The NPP failed to secure absolute majority at the Local Government Elections in Colombo and the opposition had talks in an attempt to defeat Balthazaar from being elected as Colombo Mayor.

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