Voting of the 2025 Local Government elections concluded at 4.00 pm today (May 06).

The Election Commission has stated that the voting process was peaceful overall, with no incidents of violence reported during the polling period.

Voting ended with varying turnout in various districts as most districts have reported turnout of about 50% or less as at 3.00 pm.

Meanwhile, police say that special security arrangements are continued even after voting is concluded.

Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, has urged the public to remain calm and peaceful during the post-election period as well.

A total of 75,589 candidates are contesting from various political parties and independent groups at this year’s Local Government election.

World Bank group President – Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (May 07).

It is the first visit by the head of the multilateral lender in 20 years, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake last year.

“The visit comes at a critical moment, as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive, and private sector-led future,” the World Bank says.

Banga will meet President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and senior government and private sector leaders.

“These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially,” the World Bank added.

The World Bank Group currently maintains a portfolio of projects in Sri Lanka valued at $2.2 billion, encompassing both public and private sector investments. While recent reports have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress, the Bank continues to emphasize the need for poverty reduction and reform continuity to ensure sustained recovery.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake cast his vote this afternoon (May 06) at the Abesingharama Saikoji Preschool in Panchikawatta, Maradana, for the  Local Government Election 2025.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote, President Disanayake stated that following his victory in the presidential election, the people now expect a continuation of the peaceful and democratic freedoms that have been established in the country, including during all upcoming elections.

The President also noted that under the National People’s Power (NPP) government, the country has experienced a peaceful election campaign, which he believes should be integrated into Sri Lanka’s political culture.

President Disanayake voted after returning to the island this afternoon via a special aircraft of the Vietnamese government, concluding his successful three-day official visit to Vietnam, at the invitation of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Luong Cuong.

During the visit, President Disanayake held official bilateral talks with President Cuong and engaged in wide-ranging discussions with senior leaders of Vietnam on matters of mutual interest, covering bilateral, regional, and international issues.

The President also met with Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The two sides emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, built over 55 years on strong political trust, close people-to-people ties, and a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to strengthening this partnership further in the years ahead, particularly in the context of national development.

During his stay, President Disanayake paid tribute at the War Heroes Monument and laid flowers at the tomb of Ho Chi Minh — Vietnam’s independence leader and first president.

He also held a series of discussions with major Vietnamese business groups, including Vingroup, Sun Group, FPT Corporation, SOVICO Group, and ROX Group, exploring opportunities for enhanced economic collaboration.

In addition, the President ceremonially opened the new Bodhi precinct at the Bai Dinh Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

President Disanayake was the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations and delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the long-standing Buddhist ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, also accompanied the President during this visit.

(President’s Media Division)