The peaceful and orderly conduct of the recently concluded local government elections which were held without the large-scale abuses of state power or otherwise that marred previous electoral cycles has marked a refreshing change from the past. It demonstrates a commendable commitment by the present government to uphold electoral integrity and democratic norms. We congratulate the ruling party for emerging as the largest party across the country in 267 out of the 339 local government bodies in which polls were held with an absolute majority in 120. The test of statesmanship will be how the government forms its majorities in the local authorities and deals equitably with opposition led ones.
The National Peace Council sees electoral outcomes in the north and east, which were largely won by parties representing the Tamil and Muslim communities, as signaling their different needs and aspirations and the need for the government to engage more fully with them. The government has made commendable efforts to reach out to minority communities, with high-level visits by the President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet ministers to the north and east. However, these symbolic gestures must now be followed by substantive policy measures that address the historical and contemporary concerns of Tamil and Muslim populations in the north and east, and also in the plantation sector.
The National Peace Council believes that the government’s commitment to structural equity and economic justice can resonate more deeply with minority communities if it is combined with a transparent and inclusive decision-making process that respects diversity and pluralism. We urge the government to view the election results as an opportunity to engage more constructively with Tamil and Muslim political representatives as partners in governance. Restoring the provincial council system through early elections, along with a renewed dialogue on power-sharing, could serve as important steps toward rebuilding trust.
With a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the government has a unique opportunity to undertake long-overdue reforms and deliver on its promise of system change for which it received mandates at the presidential and general elections held last year. These include restoring and empowering the provincial council system, expediting land restitution of military-occupied land in the north and east and provision for land for housing in the plantations, ensuring accountability for past violence, empowering local representatives, and resisting encroachments that disrupt the delicate ethno-religious balance.
In particular, the National Peace Council calls on the government to support multi-ethnic, cross-party collaboration in local government to reduce polarization. Provisions need to be made to provide equitable financial allocations to all local authorities for them to operate efficiently and effectively regardless of whether they are run by the government or opposition members. and there should not be any differences between those ruled by one party or the other as each local government authority has equal value which is embedded in the power of the people. Promoting inclusive governance requires deliberate and sustained efforts to ensure that diverse communities are meaningfully represented and engaged in local decision-making processes.
Media Release/Governing Council