Discover Matara’s latest preferential voting results! See how the NPP dominated with six seats and view the full breakdown of votes in this must-read election update.
The recently announced preferential vote results for Matara District showcase a strong victory for the National People’s Power (NPP) party. Under the Preferential Voting System, the NPP secured six seats, with Sunil Handunneththi emerging as the district’s top candidate, receiving 249,251 votes. The Sri Lanka Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) managed to secure one seat, awarded to Chathura Galappaththi with a total of 32,196 votes.
Detailed Preferential Voting Results for Matara District
The NPP claimed a notable victory, winning six seats out of seven available, with the following candidates and their vote counts:
- Sunil Handunneththi: 249,251 votes
- Saroja Polraj: 148,379 votes
- L.M. Abeywickrama: 68,144 votes
- Arkam Ilyas: 53,835 votes
- Ajantha Gammaddage: 48,820 votes
- Lal Premanath: 48,797 votes
From the SJB, Chathura Galappaththi received enough votes to secure the final seat with 32,196 votes. This significant shift highlights the NPP’s growing influence in Matara District, a region previously known for strong support for the more traditional political parties.
The Rise of National People’s Power (NPP) in Matara
The overwhelming win in Matara underscores the NPP’s appeal to voters in the area, marking a potential shift in the district’s political landscape. Voters appeared to favor candidates from the NPP who, with their focus on progressive and people-centric policies, received robust support across Matara. Sunil Handunneththi’s high vote count reflects his popularity and strong connection with the electorate.
In comparison, the SJB, led by Chathura Galappaththi, secured only one seat, suggesting a changing trend in voter preferences. The SJB, known for its centrist policies, received a notable but more limited level of support, highlighting the challenge faced by traditional political parties in the face of new political dynamics.
What Does This Mean for Matara?
As the NPP gains ground, Matara residents are likely looking for changes that reflect the promises made during the election campaign. Key topics of interest include economic development, education reform, and improved infrastructure—issues the NPP has committed to addressing.
The preferential vote system has once again demonstrated how the collective voices of voters can reshape local political power, allowing candidates from various backgrounds to represent the diverse needs of the district.