NPP takes lead in local polls, but falls short of 50 per cent in most councils

The Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) had taken the lead in most local councils of election results announced so far, but has fallen short of gaining 50 per cent in most of the councils.

They obtained over 50 per cent only in the Sooriyawewa Pradeshiya Sabha, Bope Poddala PS, Morawewa PS and Namaloya PS   and Ampara Urban Council of 20 councils they won.

The NPP has won the Hambantota, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura Municipal councils and the Tangalle, Ambalangoda, Balangoda, Wattegama, Hikkaduwa, Horana, Kolonnawa and Kadugannawa, Urban Councils.

Among the Pradeshiya Sabhas they won were  Bope-Poddala, Sooriyawewa, Welivitiya, Niyagama, Soranathota and Namal Oya.

The Haputale Urban Council was secured by an independent group while the Manthai Pradeshiya Sabahwa of the Mullaitivu district, Thunukkai PS and the Verugal PS, was won by the Illankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK).

The AKkaraipattu PS was won by the National Congress  while in the Thalawakele - Lindula UC  the Upcountry peoples Front received three seats and the SJB two seats which would enable them to form the council.