Operations of 161 Local Government (LG) bodies will officially commence today (June 02).

This follows a gazette issued by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, based on the results of the 2025 LG polls held on May 06.

According to the Election Commission, in institutions where a political party or independent group has secured a clear majority, operations will begin today under a newly appointed Mayor or Chairperson.

According to the election results, political parties or independent groups secured a majority in 161 out of 339 local government bodies. 

However, no single party or group was able to secure a majority in the remaining 178 institutions. In such LG bodies, council formation will be determined through meetings led by LG Commissioners.
Meanwhile, SJB MP Rohana Bandara has stated his support for populist decisions by the ruling party, while former MP Saman Ratnapriya said the opposition is ready to take control in councils where it lacks a majority.

However, deputy minister T. B. Sarath has confirmed that institutions will be established in line with the people’s mandate given to the National People’s Power.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles will visit Sri Lanka as part of a four nation South and Southeast Asia tour scheduled from 2-5 June 2025 for high-level meetings.

The Deputy Prime Minister will meet leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia as part of the Government’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, the Australian government announced today.

During his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, the Deputy Prime Minister will discuss ongoing Australian support for both nations’ sovereign capability development.

The visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underpins our relationship and shared vision for the Indian Ocean.

In Indonesia, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet his counterpart to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Australia values our relationships with neighbours in the Indo-Pacific. Our deepening cooperation is at the heart of Australia’s approach to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive and resilient.”

“I look forward to meeting leaders and welcome productive discussions on how we can work together to shape a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region that is respectful of sovereignty,” the Australian Minister said  of his tour.

The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts today (June 02).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.