The 2027 Budget of the Beruwala Urban Council, controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP), has been defeated by a majority of one vote.
The budget was put to a vote during the council’s monthly meeting held today (10) at the council auditorium under the chairmanship of Mohamed Mafasim.
Media coverage of the budget vote was not permitted, with journalists allowed to enter the council chamber only after the voting had concluded.
The NPP had secured control of the Beruwala Urban Council with the support of six members representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), despite having won only three seats at the last local government election.
Meanwhile, an independent group holds seven seats in the council and represents the opposition.
During today's vote, two SJB councillors who had previously supported the NPP voted against the budget, while another SJB member abstained.
Accordingly, the budget received seven votes in favour and eight votes against, with one member abstaining, resulting in its defeat.
Following the meeting, journalists questioned Chairman Mohamed Mafasim regarding the decision to prevent media coverage of the budget vote.
In response, the Chairman stated that media access had been restricted because a personal matter needed to be discussed during the voting process.
