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Sabaragamuwa: NPP canvassing in top gear, little or no polls violations reported
View(s):Enthusiasm varies across the Sabaragamuwa Province, with support increasing for the NPP, especially among the youth, while President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the SJB have a notable backing.
The province, which includes the Kegalle and Ratnapura districts, has a combined 1.633 million registered voters.
The Ratnapura district, with eight constituencies, has 923,736 registered voters and 32,530 postal votes. Kolonna leads with the highest number of registered voters, totalling 62,266.
NPP canvassers are spending at least 15 minutes at each household, presenting a summary of the party’s manifesto
Of the seven politicians representing Ratnapura district, four, Janaka Wakkambura, Muditha Soysa, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, and Namal Rajapaksa support Mr Wickremesinghe, while politicians Hesha Withanage, Varuna Liyanage, and Karunaratne Paranavithana back Sajith Premadasa.
As of now, 44 complaints have been reported, including misuse of public property and involvement of government officials in political activities. Investigations are underway.
Ratnapura District Secretary, Wasantha Gunarathna, announced that 700 polling stations have been set up. He emphasised that the incoming government should prioritise the Ratnapura Development Plan, which has already been formulated, and also focus on infrastructure improvements.
Ratnapura District SLPP representative Akila Ellawala, who also supports Mr Wickremesinghe, said campaigning continues in a peaceful manner. He claimed however, that there is a sense of intimidation among people caused by the NPP.
Party offices of independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe and SJB candidate Sajith Premadasa. Pix by Ajith Lal Shantha
Shantha Padmakumara, the NPP’s Ratnapura district organiser told the Sunday Times, there is growing public enthusiasm for the NPP. He noted that unlike in previous elections, the people are engaged more actively, voluntarily organising events and contributing to campaign funds.
NPP canvassers are spending at least 15 minutes at each household, presenting a summary of the party’s manifesto and explaining the key points.
Mr. Padmakumara highlighted the increasing appeal of the NPP, attributing it to public frustration with having the same political figures in power for 76 years, and the shifting alliances of Ratnapura representatives, who have failed to prioritise the district’s development.
He said that representative Thalatha Athukorala’s decision to remain neutral would weaken the SJB voter base, positioning the NPP as a leading contender in the district.
He is confident that the majority of postal votes would favour the NPP, reflecting strong support for the party among young voters. This, he believes, signals a growing momentum for the NPP.
It has been reported that the NPP enjoys the highest level of support in the district, while the SJB, Mr. Wickremesinghe, and the SLPP trail behind in third and fourth place. Public interest in Mr Wickremesinghe remains low due to concerns that his policies may disproportionately benefit the upcountry Tamils.
Mr. Premadasa’s lack of appeal is attributed to his failure to establish a strong leadership persona. Despite the JVP’s history of involvement in past conflicts, many people dismiss this, arguing that all major parties have been linked with violence over the years.
Residents mentioned that many district MPs have focused on industries Ratnapura is known for, treating them as business opportunities for themselves rather than supporting the people who actually work in those sectors.
Kegalle district’s eight constituencies collectively have 709,622 registered voters, with an additional 35,000 postal votes. Mawanella leads with the highest number of registered voters, totalling 102,297.
Of the nine MPs representing the Kegalle District, six from the SLPP, including Tharaka Balasuriya, Udayakantha Gunathilaka, Kanaka Herath, Sudath Manjula, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, and Rajika Wickremesinghe, are supporting Mr Wickremesinghe. Sarathie Dushmantha, from the SLFP, has aligned with this group, while MPs Kabir Hashim and Sujith Sanjaya Perera continue to back Sajith Premadasa.
Kegalle District Secretary, J.M.R.P. Jayasinghe, said there are 577 polling stations, noting that political rallies have been peaceful.
Kegalle District SJB representative Sujith Sanjaya Perera, said the SJB has held three big rallies so far, and plans to cover all electorates and polling stations within the week. He expressed confidence that many former SLPP supporters are now backing the SJB, noting that the internal divisions within the SLPP would significantly weaken the party.
Mr Perera said SLFP and UNP members have joined forces with the SJB, further strengthening their position. He also acknowledged that the NPP has garnered some support from young voters through social media.
Despite the resignation of Ratnapura District SJB parliamentarian Thalatha Athukorala and her decision to remain neutral, Mr. Perera assured that this would not affect the SJB voter base.
Speaking to the Sunday Times at a rally in Deraniyagala, Kegalle District SLPP parliamentarian, Kanaka Herath, who is now supporting Mr Wickremesinghe, noted that there has been a significant positive response from people towards the president.
He said that pocket meetings and canvassing are underway, with favourable reactions observed for the SJB, while support for the NPP appears less prominent in the Kegalle District. Regarding the decision of Mrs. Athukorala to step down, MP Herath commended her choice, expressing hope that many SJB supporters would now shift their backing to Mr Wickremesinghe. 
He also commented on the internal divisions within the SLPP, attributing them to individuals.
Major incidents of violence have not been reported so far, though around 100 minor issues had arisen and resolved, he said.
He said an incoming government should prioritise the development of rubber, coconut, tea, and export agriculture.
It has been noted that Mr Wickremesinghe and the SJB are favoured by voters in Kegalle district. But, the prevailing sentiment is that Mr Wickremesinghe may face challenges due to being associated with politicians who have a history of corruption, despite the fact that most Kegalle MPs are perceived as not being corrupt.
Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Sabaragamuwa District, P.P.S.M. Dharmarathna, said during talks on Thursday it was noted that election violations or complaints had not been reported, so far.
He said people are now well-informed and more compliant compared with previous elections.
He said he has asked every Officer-in-Charge in the two districts to respond to all complaints, regardless of their severity or the political party involved. He emphasised police responsibility to oversee the activities of every politician attending rallies in the Sabaragamuwa province.
While posters are few, he said illegal posters are swiftly dealt with by workers at each police station. Patrols and mobile units will operate until two days before the election.
Additional reporting by: A.G. Wickramasinghe, Ajith Lal Shantha from Ratnapura and Chaminda Wewatenna from Kegalle
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