News Today: 2025 LG elections conclude without incident but saw low turnout

The 2025 Local Government elections end peacefully with low turnout across Sri Lanka, according to officials. Held yesterday under tight security, the polls concluded without major incidents at 13,759 polling stations nationwide.

The Election Commission (EC) Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake confirmed that all 339 contested Local Government (LG) institutions conducted the election smoothly. He also explained the results process, noting that votes would be counted at each polling centre and results released per electoral division.

Results will then be compiled at district LG results centres, determining how many representatives from each political party and independent group have secured seats. Final results will be submitted to the EC Headquarters in Rajagiriya for verification. Once approved, the official results will be announced by Returning Officers and shared with the media.

Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake confirmed that counting began shortly after voting ended at 4 p.m. yesterday. He stated that the announcement of winners would first take place at the divisional level, followed by institutional-level announcements, once District Returning Officers complete the final count and validations.

Despite smooth logistics and secure polling stations, this year’s election saw notably low voter turnout compared to previous years. Analysts cite voter apathy and lack of engagement as possible reasons.

Voting began at 7 a.m. and concluded at 4 p.m. to elect officials for 339 out of 341 Local Government institutions, with two polls postponed. Authorities praised voters and security personnel for maintaining peace throughout the process.