The 2025 Local Government Elections officially commenced at 7:00 a.m. today (06), marking a significant milestone in the country’s democratic process following a seven-year hiatus. 

(Previous news 2025 May 06 – 7.15.a.m.)

All set for Local Government Elections today

Sri Lanka’s 2025 Local Government (LG) elections are underway today, with polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. across 13,759 voting centers. 

A record 17.1 million voters are registered to elect representatives to 339 local councils in what analysts describe as a key test of public sentiment.  

Key Election Details
Voter Eligibility: Based on the certified 2024 electoral register (updated February 1, 2025)  
Highest Voter Concentration: Gampaha District  
Postal Voting: 648,495 postal votes cast April 24-29 by state sector employees, security forces, and other eligible groups  
Spending Limits: Campaign caps range from Rs. 74 (Mannar) to Rs. 160 (Lahugala) per voter  

Voting Process 
Voters must present one of “10 approved IDs”, including NIC, passport, or driving license. 

1. National Identity Card (Old or New NIC) issued by the Department for Registration of Person
2. Valid Passport
3. Valid Driving License
4. Government Pensioner’s Identity Card issued by the Department of Pensions 
5. Elders’ Identity Card issued by the Divisional Secretariat 
6. Identity Card issued for the clergy by the Department for Registration of Person
7. Letter issued by the Department for Registration of Person confirming he peculiars of the National Identity Card
8. Temporary Identity Card issued by the Election Commission 
9. Temporary Identity Card issued by the Election Commission for persons with disabilities
10. Temporary License Card with a photograph issued by the Department of Motor Traffic

Ballot papers display only party symbols and independent group numbers—no candidate names. Voters mark a single “X” beside their preferred party/group.  

No polling card? Voters can still cast ballots with proper ID.  

Security & Monitoring  
65,000 police officers deployed nationwide  
3,000 PAFFREL observers monitoring for fairness  
Strict anti-fraud measures, including indelible ink on fingers  

Special Arrangements 
Leave for voters: Employers must grant paid leave based on travel distance (½ to 2 days)  
Closures: Schools, some universities, and select government offices (e.g., DMT, Immigration) shut today  

A man who was imprisoned for 14 days after his mobile phone rang inside the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court has died while in custody under controversial circumstances, prompting allegations from his family and triggering investigations by prison authorities.

The individual, who had reportedly arrived at the court premises to post bail in a case filed over traffic violations, was detained for allegedly violating the decorum of the courtroom when his phone rang during proceedings.

Prison authorities claim he died of a sudden illness while in custody. However, his relatives have accused prison officials of assaulting him, alleging that the post-mortem examination had revealed that the deceased suffered brain damage from a blow to the head with a blunt object and internal bleeding caused by an injury to the left side of his chest.

Prisons Media Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake said that a full internal investigation is underway into the incident, in addition to a police inquiry.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who is currently on a state visit to Vietnam, extended an open invitation to Vietnam’s leading conglomerate, Vingroup, to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s real estate and tourism sectors.

While congratulating the Vingroup for their achievements and for building a diversified global brand, President Disanayake invited Vingroup to consider investing in Sri Lanka’s real estate and tourism sectors. He further emphasized that Sri Lanka is pleased to facilitate the creation of a smooth and enabling environment for their investments.

The President made these remarks during a business engagement with Vingroup at their Headquarters in Hanoi, yesterday evening (May 04) where he met with Vice Chairman and the CEO of the Vingroup Nguyen Viet Quang and the delegation.

President Disanayake emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position, progressive infrastructure development and the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for foreign investors, particularly in high-potential sectors such as tourism and real estate.

Vingroup Joint Stock Company (Vingroup JSC), formerly known as Technocom Corporation, was founded in 1993 in Ukraine. Today, Vingroup is one of Vietnam’s largest and most respected private enterprises, operating as a multi-sector corporation with a focus on three core pillars: industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services and Social Enterprises.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath also participated in the discussions.