Low Voter Turnout, but Not Significant Decline From Parliamentary Elections Last Year

Voter turnout for the local government election experienced a severe decline as compared with the last local government election in 2018, with all districts experiencing lower turnout and 12 districts experiencing lower turnout by more than 20 percent points. 
 

Mannar residents emerged the strongest with 70% voting in this year's election while Colombo was the weakest with only 52% participating. Notably, Northern and Eastern districts experienced the most stable turnout as compared with the 2018 election. Although there were declines in these districts they were the least severe. Meanwhile Kurunegala, Colombo, and Monaragala faced the most severe decline in turnout as compared with 2018. 
 

However, compared with parliament elections last year, the turnout was not much lower. In Digamadulla and Hambantota, voters actually came out slightly stronger than during the 2024 parliamentary elections. Colombo suffered the most severe loss of interest, with 13 percent points less voters this year than in the 2024 parliamentary elections.