Srilanka, June 11 -- The National People's Power (NPP) successfully took control of the Bandarawela Municipal Council, despite holding only 6 out of 16 seats, by gaining the support of two members from two independent groups during today's mayoral election.

In the last local government election, the NPP secured 6 seats, while opposition parties collectively held a majority of 10 seats. Under these circumstances, the opposition initiated discussions to appoint a joint mayoral candidate, with the election scheduled for today.

However, a key development shifted the balance of power: the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), which had been allocated 3 seats, had not nominated members to fill them. As of today, only 13 members had been officially g...