Sri Lanka, June 16 -- The National People's Power (NPP) has secured control of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) with Vraie Cally Balthazaar elected as Mayor.

In the mayoral election held just moments ago at the inaugural session of the Colombo Municipal Council, Balthazaar garnered 61 votes.

Her opponent, Riza Zarook of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who contested on behalf of the opposition, secured 54 votes.

The election process was marked by a heated debate within the council regarding the voting method.

The Colombo Municipal Commissioner initially proposed an open election, but the National People's Power advocated for a secret ballot, while the Samagi Jana Balawegaya pushed for an open vote.

Ultimately, the Colombo Municip...