2018 Sri Lankan local elections

The last major round of local government elections was held in 2011 when elections were held in 322 of the then 335 local authorities.{{cite news|last1=Liyanagama|first1=Lakdev|title=Tough test ahead|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/07/27/features/123333/tough-test-ahead?page=31|access-date=23 December 2017|work=Daily News|date=27 July 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} Elections to two other local authorities in Mullaitivu District were due but were repeatedly postponed due to alleged delays in resettling internally displaced persons following the end of the civil war in 2009.{{cite news|last1=Kurukulasuriya|first1=Lasanda|title=LG elections and the story in numbers|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110828/Columns/Lasandak.html|access-date=23 December 2017|work=The Sunday Times|date=28 August 2011|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=Sri Lankan government to hold local government elections in Mullaitivu as soon as demining completed|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11B/Oct11_1318313222CH.php|access-date=23 December 2017|work=Colombo Page|date=11 October 2011|location=Indianapolis, USA|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035222/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11B/Oct11_1318313222CH.php|url-status=dead}} Elections to the remaining 11 local authorities were not due as they had their last election in 2008 or 2009.{{cite news|title=Poll battle heats up|url=http://www.nation.lk/2011/01/09/mynation.htm|access-date=23 December 2017|work=The Nation|date=9 January 2011|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

Since 2011 six new local authorities have been created (1 MC, 5 DC) taking the total number of local authorities to 341 (24 MC, 41 UC, 276 DC).{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2012/10/1778-06_E.pdf|date=2 October 2012|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications PRADESHIYA SABHA ACT, No. 15 OF 1987 Order|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=1778/6|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|access-date=19 November 2017}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2016/12/1998-02_E.pdf|date=19 December 2016|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications PRADESHIYA SABHA ACT, No. 15 OF 1987 Order|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=1998/2|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|access-date=15 November 2017}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2017/11/2043-57_E.pdf|date=2 November 2017|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications PRADESHIYA SABHA ACT, No. 15 OF 1987 Order|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=2043/57|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|access-date=15 November 2017}}{{cite news|title=More than 2,000 women to be elected to local councils|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171112/news/more-than-2000-women-to-be-elected-to-local-councils-268268.html|access-date=20 December 2017|work=The Sunday Times|date=12 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

The normal term of a local authority is four years but the law allows the central government to extend this by a further year.{{cite news|title=Postponing Polls|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/columns20170401CT20180430.php?id=930|access-date=23 December 2017|work=Ceylon Today|date=18 August 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225034849/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/columns20170401CT20180430.php?id=930|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Gnanadass|first1=Wilson|title=Parties jostle for council seats|url=http://www.nation.lk/2011/01/09/newsfe12.htm|access-date=23 December 2017|work=The Nation|date=9 January 2011|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035323/http://www.nation.lk/2011/01/09/newsfe12.htm|url-status=dead}} The term of the 234 local authorities (3 MC, 30 UC, 201 DC) that had their election on 17 March 2011 was due to expire on 31 March 2015 but on 27 March 2015 their term was extended to 15 May 2015.{{cite news|title=Terms of local government bodies extended|url=http://www.ft.lk/news/terms-of-local-government-bodies-extended/56-400919|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily FT|date=30 March 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Gammanpila|first1=Udaya|author-link1=Udaya Gammanpila|title=WHO CAN DISSOLVE LOCAL COUNCILS?|url=http://sandbox.ceylontoday.lk/76-89963-news-detail-who-can-dissolve-local-councils-the-guard-post-111.html|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ceylon Today|date=12 April 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035139/http://sandbox.ceylontoday.lk/76-89963-news-detail-who-can-dissolve-local-councils-the-guard-post-111.html|archive-date=25 December 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2015/3/1907-50_E.pdf|date=27 March 2015|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ORDINANCE Order under Section 10 (2) (b)|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=1907/50|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} These 234 local authorities were then dissolved and their administration placed under special commissioners appointed by the government.{{cite news|last1=Santiago|first1=Melanie|title=Local Government Authorities to be dissolved on the 15th of May : Minister John Amaratunga|url=http://newsfirst.lk/english/2015/05/local-government-authorities-to-be-dissolved-on-the-15th-of-may-minister-john-amaratunga/93847|access-date=24 December 2017|work=News First|date=9 May 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225060612/http://newsfirst.lk/english/2015/05/local-government-authorities-to-be-dissolved-on-the-15th-of-may-minister-john-amaratunga/93847|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Local government bodies to be dissolved on May 15|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/30790/local-government-bodies-to-be-dissolved-on-may-15|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ada Derana|date=9 May 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} The term of the 65 local authorities (1 MC, 9 UC, 55 DC) that had their election on 23 July 2011 expired on 31 July 2015 after which their administration was placed under special commissioners.{{cite news|last1=Wijayapala|first1=Ranil|title=Local Govt. bodies get extended term|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2015/12/27/pol02.asp|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Sunday Observer|date=27 December 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=Official Terms of 65 More Local Government Institutions End from Today|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/114100/official-term-65-more-local-government-institutions-end-from-today|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Hiru News|date=31 July 2015}} The term of the 23 local authorities (16 MC, 1 UC, 6 DC) that had their election on 8 October 2011 was due to expire on 15/31 October 2015 but in October 2015 their term was extended to 31 December 2015.{{cite news|title=Terms of LG bodies extended|url=http://dailynews.lk/2015/10/14/local/terms-lg-bodies-extended|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily News|date=14 October 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=Term of LG bodies to be extended - President|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=33563|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ada Derana|date=26 December 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} This was subsequently extended to 30 June 2016.{{cite news|last1=Fernando|first1=Tharushan|title=Gazette notification issued extending time period of local govt institutions|url=http://newsfirst.lk/english/2015/12/gazette-notification-issued-extending-time-period-of-local-govt-institutions/123059|access-date=24 December 2017|work=News First|date=31 December 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=Term of LG bodies extended by 6 months|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/term-of-lg-bodies-extended-by-6-months-100793.html|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Daily Mirror|date=26 December 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} These 23 local authorities were then dissolved and their administration placed under special commissioners.{{cite news|title=Colombo Mayor to say goodbye, term of LG bodies not likely to be extended|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=35872|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ada Derana|date=30 June 2016|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=Term of Office of 23 Local Government Bodies including the CMC will not be Extended|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/136893/term-office-23-local-government-bodies-including-cmc-will-be-extended|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Hiru News|date=1 July 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Ferdinando|first1=Shamindra|title=Muzammil irked by dissolution of local bodies|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=148043|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Island|date=4 July 2016|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203007/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=148043|url-status=dead}}

On 10 October 2012 Parliament passed the Local Authorities (Special Provisions) Act, No. 21 of 2012 and Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, changing the electoral system for electing local authority members from open list proportional representation (PR) to a mixed electoral system whereby 70% of members would be elected using first-past-the-post voting (FPTP) and the remaining 30% through closed list PR.{{cite news|title=New election system for LG bodies passed|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/22591/preferential-voting-system-abolished|access-date=23 December 2017|work=The Daily Mirror|date=10 October 2012|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=LG elections amendment draft bills passed|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=20020|access-date=23 December 2017|work=Ada Derana|date=10 October 2012|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite web|title=Local Authorities (Special Provisions) Act, No. 21 of 2012|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/act/2012/11/21-2012_E.pdf|publisher=Parliament of Sri Lanka|access-date=23 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite web|title=Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/act/2012/11/22-2012_E.pdf|publisher=Parliament of Sri Lanka|access-date=23 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} The number of local authority members was increased significantly from around 4,500 to 8,000.{{cite news|last1=Satyapalan|first1=Franklin R.|title=More local govt. members under new election law|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=64243|work=The Island|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

A five member National Delimitation Committee headed by Jayalath Dissanayake was appointed by Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils A. L. M. Athaullah on 12 December 2012 to demarcate the new local authority wards.{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2012/12/1788-15_E.pdf|date=12 December 2012|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications DECLARATION UNDER SUB SECTION (1) OF SECTION 3A OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTION ORDINANCE (CHAP. 262)|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=1788/15|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} After much delay the committee's final report was handed over to Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Faiszer Musthapha on 19 June 2015.{{cite news|last1=Ayub|first1=M. S. M.|title=Is the Govt. really scared of elections|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Is-the-Govt-really-scared-of-131451.html|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Daily Mirror|date=23 June 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} The committee recommended that the number of members elected using FPTP be increased by 595 to 5,081.{{cite news|title=Ward-based electoral system for local authorities recommended|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/150628/news/ward-based-electoral-system-for-local-authorities-recommended-154990.html|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Sunday Times|date=28 June 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} On 21 August 2015 a gazette was published detailing the wards.{{cite news|last1=Selvanayagam|first1=S. S.|title=CA stays operation of Gazette on delimitation of local authorities|url=http://www.ft.lk/news/CA-stays-operation-of-Gazette-on-delimitation-of-local-authorities/56-643872|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily FT|date=23 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2015/8/1928-26_E.pdf|date=21 August 2015|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTIONS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 262) Order under Section 3C|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=1928/26|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} The new wards received more than 1,000 complaints and as a result the government appointed the Delimitation Appeals Investigation Committee headed by Ashoka Peiris to review the complaints.{{cite news|title=Demarcation headache brings in new committee|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/151025/news/demarcation-headache-brings-in-new-committee-169193.html|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Sunday Times|date=15 October 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} The appeals committee's report was handed over to Musthapha on 17 January 2017.{{cite news|title=Delimitation reported handed over|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Delimitation-reported-handed-over-122303.html|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Daily Mirror|date=17 January 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Dias|first1=Keshala|title=Delimitation Appeals Committee report handed over|url=http://newsfirst.lk/english/2017/01/159928/159928|access-date=24 December 2017|work=News First|date=17 January 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225102153/http://newsfirst.lk/english/2017/01/159928/159928|url-status=dead}} The revised ward details were gazetted on 17 February 2017.{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2017/2/2006-44_E.pdf|date=17 February 2017|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTIONS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 262) Order under section 3D|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=2006/44|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

In February 2016 Parliament passed Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 1 of 2016 requiring 25% of candidates at local elections to be female.{{cite news|last1=Warunasuriya|first1=Ashanthi|title=Increasing Female Participation In Elections|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2016/02/21/increasing-female-participation-in-elections/|access-date=23 December 2017|work=The Sunday Leader|date=21 February 2016|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225091944/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2016/02/21/increasing-female-participation-in-elections/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Kaviratne|first1=Isuri Yasasmin|title=Women's experience and knowledge need to be incorporated in policy making: Empowering women|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2016/06/26/pol02.asp|access-date=23 December 2017|work=Sunday Observer|date=26 June 2016|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite web|title=Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 1 of 2016|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/act/2016/2/01-2016_E.pdf|publisher=Parliament of Sri Lanka|access-date=23 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} Small parties and those representing ethnic minorities complained that the new mixed electoral system put them at a disadvantage and as a result the government agreed to change the ratio between FPTP and PR.{{cite news|last1=Nathaniel|first1=Camelia|title=Discussion Continues On Electoral System For LG Polls|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/12/06/discussion-continues-on-electoral-system-for-lg-polls/|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Sunday Leader|date=6 December 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=Nat. Govt. to part ways for local polls next year|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/151101/columns/nat-govt-to-part-ways-for-local-polls-next-year-169898.html|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Sunday Times|date=1 November 2015|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Mudalige|first1=Disna|title=New amendment to mixed electoral system|url=http://dailynews.lk/2017/08/04/political/124241/new-amendment-mixed-electoral-system|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily News|date=4 August 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} On 25 August 2017 Parliament passed Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 16 of 2017 which, amongst things, changed the ratio between FPTP and PR from 70:30 to 60:40.{{cite news|last1=Gunasekara|first1=Skandha|title=LG Elections (amendment) Bill passed|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=28527|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ceylon Today|date=26 August 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035009/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=28527|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Marasinghe|first1=Sandasen|last2=Mudalige|first2=Disna|title=LG elections bill passed|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/08/26/local/126361/lg-elections-bill-passed|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily News|date=26 August 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite web|title=Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 16 of 2017|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/act/2017/8/16-2017_E.pdf|publisher=Parliament of Sri Lanka|access-date=24 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

On 15 November 2017 six voters filed a petition with the Court of Appeal challenging the legality of the gazette on demarcation of wards issued in February 2017, affecting 208 local authorities.{{cite news|last1=Dias|first1=Keshala|title=Petition filed in Court of Appeal over Local Government Elections|url=http://newsfirst.lk/english/2017/11/court-appeal-files-petition-regard-holding-local-government-elections/176651|access-date=24 December 2017|work=News First|date=15 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Ariff|first1=Yusuf|title=Petition filed against LG delimitation Gazette|url=http://adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=44212|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ada Derana|date=15 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} On 22 November 2017 the Court of Appeal suspended the implementation of the gazette until 4 December 2017, preventing elections from being called to the 208 local authorities.{{cite news|last1=Sooriyagoda|first1=Lakmal|title=Court suspends delimitation gazette|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/11/23/law-order/135402/court-suspends-delimitation-gazette|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily News|date=23 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=de Alwis|first1=Nathasha|title=Court of Appeal issue injunction on delimitation gazette|url=http://newsfirst.lk/english/2017/11/breaking-court-appeal-issues-interim-injunction-holding-lg-elections/177109|access-date=24 December 2017|work=News First|date=22 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} Nominations to 93 local authorities not affected by the petition were called by the Election Commission on 27 November 2017.{{cite news|title=LG polls: Notice issued calling for nominations|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/141146/LG-polls-Notice-issued-calling-for-nominations|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Daily Mirror|date=27 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=de Alwis|first1=Nathasha|title=Nomination papers for upcoming LG Elections to be published|url=http://newsfirst.lk/english/2017/11/nomination-papers-upcoming-lg-elections-published/177360|access-date=24 December 2017|work=News First|date=27 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} Nominations to 40 other local authorities not affected by the petition could not be called due to errors in the gazette.{{cite news|last1=Nafeel|first1=Nushka|title=Nominations for 93 LG bodies from Dec. 11-14|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/11/28/local/135821/nominations-93-lg-bodies-dec-11-14|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily News|date=28 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

The legal petition was withdrawn on 30 November 2017 following which the Court of Appeal rescinded the suspension of the gazette.{{cite news|title=Petitions against LG Gazette withdrawn|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/141386/Petitions-against-LG-Gazette-withdrawn|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Daily Mirror|date=30 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Selvanayagam|first1=S. S.|title=CA dissolves Interim Order against Delimitation Gazette|url=http://www.ft.lk/news/CA-dissolves-Interim-Order-against-Delimitation-Gazette/56-644415|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily FT|date=1 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} The gazette correcting the errors in respect of 40 local authorities was published on 2 December 2017.{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2017/12/2047-52_E.pdf|date=2 December 2017|title=PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Government Notifications LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTIONS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 262) Order under Section 3D|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=2047/52|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} Nominations to the remaining 248 local authorities were called by the Election Commission on 4 December 2017.{{cite news|last1=Mudugamuwa|first1=Maheesha|title=Nominations called for 248 local bodies|url=http://island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=176080|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Island|date=5 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

Opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives revealed Fifty-six percent of respondents said the coalition government should not continue. Specially 63 percent of majority Sinhalese respondents.{{cite news|title= Beginning of end for Sri Lanka's coalition government|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Beginning-of-end-for-Sri-Lanka-s-coalition-government-147271.html|access-date=26 November 2018|publisher=dailymirror.lk|date=15 March 2018}}

Nominations to 93 local authorities (7 MC, 18 UC, 68 DC) without any legal issues took place between 11 and 14 December 2017.{{cite news|title=Election Commission decides to call nominations for 93 Local Government bodies with no legal obstacle|url=http://www.ft.lk/news/Election-Commission-decides-to-call-nominations-for-93-Local-Government-bodies-with-no-legal-obstacl/56-644149|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily FT|date=27 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Ariff|first1=Yusuf|title=LG Polls: Nominations to be accepted from Dec 11|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/44454/lg-polls-nominations-to-be-accepted-from-dec-11|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ada Derana|date=27 November 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} 523 nominations (466 form registered political parties, 57 from independent groups) were received of which 500 were accepted (447 form registered political parties, 53 from independent groups) and 23 rejected (19 form registered political parties, 4 from independent groups).{{cite news|title=23 of 523 nomination papers rejected|url=https://www.newsradio.lk/2017/12/15/23-523-nomination-papers-rejected-commission/|access-date=24 December 2017|work=TNL Radio News|date=15 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035407/https://www.newsradio.lk/2017/12/15/23-523-nomination-papers-rejected-commission/|archive-date=25 December 2017|url-status=dead}}

Nominations to the remaining 248 local authorities (17 MC, 23 UC, 208 DC) took place between 18 and 21 December 2017.{{cite news|title=Accepting nominations for remaining 248 local government bodies begin today|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_17B/Dec18_1513570598CH.php|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Colombo Page|date=18 December 2017|location=Indianapolis, USA}}{{cite news|title=Nominations for 248 LG Bodies from today|url=http://dailynews.lk/2017/12/18/local/137633/nominations-248-lg-bodies-today?page=3|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Daily News|date=18 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} 1,582 nominations (1,399 form registered political parties, 183 from independent groups) were received of which 1,553 were accepted (1,379 form registered political parties, 174 from independent groups) and 29 rejected (20 form registered political parties, 9 from independent groups).{{cite news|title=Over 1500 nominations accepted in the second stage for elections of 248 local government bodies, 29 rejected|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_17B/Dec22_1513958930CH.php|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Colombo Page|date=22 December 2017|location=Indianapolis, USA}}{{cite news|title=1553 groups seeks victory in LG polls|url=https://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/item/19052-1553-groups-seeks-victory-in-lg-polls|access-date=24 December 2017|work=news.lk|date=22 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225035033/https://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/item/19052-1553-groups-seeks-victory-in-lg-polls|url-status=dead}}

On 18 December 2017 the Election Commission announced that elections to all 341 local authorities would be held on 10 February 2018.{{cite news|last1=Ariff|first1=Yusuf|title=Local Government election on February 10|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=44861|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ada Derana|date=18 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|title=Local Government elections to be held on February 10|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/12/18/local-government-elections-to-be-held-on-february-10/|access-date=24 December 2017|work=The Sunday Leader|date=18 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225091819/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/12/18/local-government-elections-to-be-held-on-february-10/|url-status=dead}} Around 13,000 polling stations were used.{{cite news|last1=Gunasekara|first1=Skandha|title=LG polls on 10 February|url=http://www.ft.lk/front-page/LG-polls-on-10-February/44-645526|access-date=23 December 2017|work=Daily FT|date=19 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Riza|first1=Shaahidah|title=LG PollS on 10 Feb – EC|url=https://ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=36654|access-date=24 December 2017|work=Ceylon Today|date=19 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225034949/https://ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=36654|url-status=dead}} The election is expected to cost around Rs. 4 billion and required 300,000 staff, including public sector employees. Postal voting has taken place on 25 and 26 January 2018.{{cite news|title=Postal voting on January 25, 26|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Postal-voting-on-January--142817.html|access-date=25 December 2017|work=The Daily Mirror|date=25 December 2017|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

On 30 January 2018 the Supreme Court issued an injunction preventing election in Elpitiya DC following a petition by the Democratic United National Front against the rejection of their nomination list.{{cite news|title=SC order stays election for Elpitiya PS|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1038573/sc-order-stays-election-for-elpitiya-ps|access-date=11 February 2018|work=The Sunday Times|date=30 January 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Ariff|first1=Yusuf|title=Court orders not to hold election for Elpitiya PS|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/45709/court-orders-not-to-hold-election-for-elpitiya-ps|access-date=11 February 2018|work=Ada Derana|date=30 January 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

60 percent of the seats in each local government authority were elected under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. The candidate who receives the most votes were declared the elected representative. The other 40 percent of seats were elected based on the proportion of votes received by each contesting political party or independent group. To complete the seat calculation, the district returning officers first counts the total number of valid votes cast and divides that number by the total number of seats up for election in a given local authority. This number represents the average number of votes cast per seat (X). To identify the number of seats a political party or independent group gained (Y), the district returning officer then takes the total number of valid votes a party or group received in the local authority and divides that by the average number of votes per seat (X). Finally, to account for seats already won through the FPTP system, the district returning officer takes the total number of seats a political party or independent group gained (Y) and subtracts the total number won through FPTP. The result is the number of seats a political party or group is entitled to under the proportional representation system.{{cite web |url=https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/2018_ifes_sri_lanka_local_government_elections_faqs_final.pdf |title=Elections in Sri Lanka: 2018 local government elections: Frequently asked questions |date=5 February 2018 |website=International Foundation for Electoral Systems |format=PDF |access-date=13 October 2019 }}

The main constituent party of the United People's Freedom Alliance, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, underwent a split not long before the election, as SLFP MPs loyal to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa broke away from the SLFP to create a political front of their own.{{cite web|url=http://www.lankanewspapers.com/2017/10/29/slfp-faces-decisive-moment-crucial-make-break-meeting-friday/|title=SLFP faces decisive moment, crucial make-or-break meeting on Friday - Sri Lanka News Papers - News Headlines from Colombo|date=29 October 2017|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226040343/http://www.lankanewspapers.com/2017/10/29/slfp-faces-decisive-moment-crucial-make-break-meeting-friday/|url-status=dead}}

The UPFA subsequently contested for some seats as an alliance while the Sri Lanka Freedom Party contested alone in others, with both being led by incumbent president Maithripala Sirisena. This marks the first time since 1991 that the SLFP contested under their own election symbol.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2015/10/26/political/slfp-upfa-lg-elections|title=SLFP with UPFA for LG elections|access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2017/12/03/slfp-contest-under-upfa-ticket-amaraweera|title=SLFP to contest under UPFA ticket - Amaraweera|date=2 December 2017|access-date=12 February 2018}}

The ruling United National Front, led by the United National Party's Ranil Wickramasinghe contested under the elephant election symbol, bringing together constituent parties including the Jathika Hela Urumaya led by Champika Ranawaka, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by Rauff Hakeem, and the Tamil Progressive Alliance led by Palani Digambaran.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsradio.lk/2017/11/02/jhu-contest-lg-election-unp/|title=JHU to contest the LG Election with the UNP - News Radio|last=SitePoint|date=2 November 2017|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107113031/https://www.newsradio.lk/2017/11/02/jhu-contest-lg-election-unp/|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/10/29/slmc-decides-to-contest-with-unp/ |title=SLMC Decides To Contest With UNP | The Sunday Leader |publisher=Thesundayleader.lk |date=2017-10-29 |access-date=2018-02-12}}

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa contested with the flower bud as their election symbol, winning the majority of the seats up for election and control over most of the island's local authorities.{{cite web|author=admin |url=http://colombogazette.com/2017/11/27/sri-lanka-podujana-peramuna-makes-deposits-for-lg-polls/ |title=Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna makes deposits for LG polls – Colombo Gazette |publisher=Colombogazette.com |date=2017-11-27 |access-date=2018-02-12}}

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna contested in this election as well.

The elections resulted in parties winning an absolute majority of seats in only 141 of the 340 local authorities - Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in 126 LA's, United National Front (UNF) in five, independents in two, National Congress in two, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in two, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in two, Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) in one and Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) in one.{{cite web|title=Local Authorities Elections 2018|url=https://election.news.lk/|publisher=Election Commission of Sri Lanka / news.lk|access-date=2 April 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka|archive-date=7 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507153357/https://election.news.lk/|url-status=dead}}

The remaining 199 LA's were hung with no overall control. Of these, the SLPP was the largest party in 95 LA's, TNA in 36, UNF in 29, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress in four, UPFA in four, Independents in three, CWC in two, Tamil National People's Front in two, EPDP in one, United Lanka Great Council in one, Muslim National Alliance in one, Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal in one and Tamil United Liberation Front in one. The remaining 19 LA's were tied (SLPP/UNF in nine LA's, ACMC/UNF in two, TNA/TMVP in two, CWC/UNF in one, SLFP/SLPP in one, SLMC/SLPP/UPFA in one, SLMC/UNF in one, TNA/UNF in one and UNF/UPFA in one).

With so many local authorities hung with no overall control the path was open for back-room deals between parties to take control of local authorities.{{cite news|title=Nearly half of LG bodies hung – TISL|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=179980|access-date=6 May 2018|work=The Island|date=16 February 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}} As result the leadership of several local authorities was captured by a party other than that which won the most number of seats.{{cite news|last1=Rubatheesan|first1=S.|title=Oddball council results no bar to extending voting system to provinces|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180506/news/oddball-council-results-no-bar-to-extending-voting-system-to-provinces-293031.html|access-date=6 May 2018|work=The Sunday Times)|date=6 May 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

Central Province

• In Hatton–Dickoya UC, where the UNF was the largest single party, CWC candidate Sadayan Balachandran was elected chairman.{{cite news|last1=Kuruluwansha|first1=Asela|last2=Jayawardene|first2=Feron|title=CWC gets Hatton–Dickoya UC Chairmanship|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2018/03/27/political/146693/cwc-gets-hatton%E2%80%93dickoya-uc-chairmanship|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Daily News|date=27 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Maskeliya DC, where the CWC and UNF were tied, CWC candidate Shenbagavalli was elected chairman.{{cite news|last1=Rajapaksha|first1=Ranjith|last2=Illangatillake|first2=Gamini Bandara|title=Tense situ. at Maskeliya PS|url=http://mirrorcitizen.dailymirror.lk/2018/03/29/tense-situ-at-maskeliya-ps/|access-date=2 April 2018|work=The Daily Mirror|date=29 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Nuwara Eliya DC, where the UNF was the largest single party, CWC candidate V. Yogaraja was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=CWC Establishes Administration in Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/187154/cwc-establishes-administration-in-nuwara-eliya-pradeshiya-sabha|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Hiru News|date=29 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

Eastern Province

• In Nintavur DC, where the ACMC and UNF were tied, ACMC candidate M. A. M. Thahir was elected chairman.{{cite news|last1=Abdul Gafoor|first1=A. B.|title=UPA bags Sammanthurai, Nintavur PS Chairs|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2018/03/28/local/146743/upa-bags-sammanthurai-nintavur-ps-chairs|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Daily News|date=28 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Sammanthurai DC, where the ACMC and UNF were tied, ACMC candidate A. M. M. Nawsad was elected chairman.

Northern Province

• In Chavakachcheri UC, where the TNPF was the largest single party, TNA candidate Sivamangai Ramanathan was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=TNA takes control of Chavakachcheri Urban Council with support of EPDP, SLFP and UNP|url=http://www.tamilguardian.com/content/tna-takes-control-chavakachcheri-urban-council-support-epdp-slfp-and-unp|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Tamil Guardian|date=26 March 2018}}
• In Delft DC, where the EPDP was the largest single party, TNA candidate Philip Patrick Roshan was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=EPDO 'fortress' Neduntheevu captured by TNA|url=http://tamildiplomat.com/epdo-fortress-neduntheevu-captured-tna/|access-date=22 April 2018|work=Tamil Diplomat|date=7 April 2018}}
• In Manthai East DC, where the TNA was the largest single party, UNF candidate Mahalingam Dayananthan was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=UNP beat TNA to capture Manthai East and TNA beat SLFP to capture Thunnukkai|url=http://tamildiplomat.com/unp-beat-tna-capture-manthai-east-tna-beat-slfp-capture-thunnukkai/|access-date=22 April 2018|work=Tamil Diplomat|date=19 April 2018}}
• In Point Pedro UC, where the TNPF was the largest single party, TNA candidate Joseph Iruthayaraja was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=EPDP backing hands control of Point Pedro Urban Council to TNA by one vote|url=http://www.tamilguardian.com/content/epdp-backing-hands-control-point-pedro-urban-council-tna-one-vote|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Tamil Guardian|date=27 March 2018}}
• In Vavuniya UC, where the TNA was the largest single party, EPRLF candidate R. Gowthaman was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=Tussle between Tamil Parties and TNA loses Vavuniya TC to TULF - TNA members dispute with stalwarts|url=http://tamildiplomat.com/tussle-tamil-parties-tna-loses-vavuniya-tc-tulf-tna-members-dispute-stalwarts//|access-date=22 April 2018|work=Tamil Diplomat|date=17 April 2018}}
• In Velanai DC, where the TNA was the largest single party, EPDP candidate Namasivayama Karunamoorthy was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=TNA loses its new allies in Velanai Pradeshiya Sabai|url=http://tamildiplomat.com/tna-loses-new-allies-velanai-pradeshiya-sabai/|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Tamil Diplomat|date=30 March 2018}}

North Western Province

• In Kurunegala MC, where the SLPP and UNF were tied, SLPP candidate Thushara Sanjeewa Witharana was elected mayor.{{cite news|last1=Jayarathne|first1=Pushpakumara|last2=Shanthaudaya|first2=Ajithalal|last3=Padmasiri|first3=Prasanna|title=Kurunegala MC elects its Mayor from the SLPP|url=http://mirrorcitizen.dailymirror.lk/2018/03/29/kurunegala-mc-elects-its-mayor-from-the-slpp/|access-date=2 April 2018|work=The Daily Mirror|date=29 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Puttalam UC, where the SLMC and UNF were tied, SLMC candidate K. A. Bais was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=Cops prevent UNP – SLMC clash|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=182215|access-date=2 April 2018|work=The Island|date=28 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

Sabaragamuwa Province

• In Aranayake DC, where the SLPP was the largest single party, UNF candidate SNihal Seneviratne was elected chairman.{{cite news|last1=Jayaratne|first1=Rohana|last2=Dhrmaratne|first2=Pradeep Kumara|title=UNP bags Tangalle UC, Aranayake PS chairs while Pohottuwa wins Dehiwela-Mt Lavinia|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2018/03/27/local/146699/unp-bags-tangalle-uc-aranayake-ps-chairs-while-pohottuwa-wins-dehiwela-mt|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Daily News|date=27 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

Southern Province

• In Galle MC, where the UNF was the largest single party, SLPP candidate Priyantha Sahabandu Godage was elected mayor.{{cite news|last1=Sugathapala|first1=D. G.|title=SLPP's Priyantha Godage elected Galle Mayor|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/147713/SLPP-s-Priyantha-Godage-elected-Galle-Mayor|access-date=2 April 2018|work=The Daily Mirror|date=23 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Hambantota MC, where the UNF was the largest single party, UPFA candidate Eraj Ravindra Fernando was elected mayor.{{cite news|last1=Gamage|first1=Sanath|title=Pistol-wielding Eraj becomes Hambantota mayor again|url=http://mirrorcitizen.dailymirror.lk/2018/04/27/pistol-wielding-eraj-becomes-hambantota-mayor-again/|access-date=6 May 2018|work=The Daily Mirror|date=27 April 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}{{cite news|last1=Irugalbandara|first1=Ramesh|title=Eraj Fernando elected Mayor of Hambantota|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/04/eraj-fernando-elected-mayor-of-hambantota/|access-date=6 May 2018|work=News First|date=26 April 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Tangalle UC, where the SLPP and UNF were tied, UNF candidate Ravindu Wedaaracahhi was elected chairman.

Uva Province

• In Badulla MC, where the UNF was the largest single party, SLPP candidate Thushara Sanjeewa Witharana was elected mayor.

Western Province

• In Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia MC, where the SLPP and UNF were tied, SLPP candidate Nawalage Stanley Dias was elected mayor.{{cite news|last1=Dharmapala|first1=H. M.|title=SLPP's Stanley Dias elected as Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Mayor|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/SLPP-s-Stanley-Dias-elected-as-Dehiwala-Mount-Lavinia-Mayor-147805.html|access-date=2 April 2018|work=The Daily Mirror|date=26 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Katunayake-Seeduwa UC, where the SLPP was the largest single party, UNF candidate Sarath Peiris was elected chairman.{{cite news|last1=Ariff|first1=Yusuf|title=UNP's Sarath Peiris elected Chairman of Katunayake-Seeduwa UC|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/46547/unps-sarath-peiris-elected-chairman-of-katunayake-seeduwa-uc|access-date=2 April 2018|work=Ada Derana|date=23 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Negombo MC, where the UNF was the largest single party, SLPP candidate Warnakulasuriya Moses Dayan Lanza was elected mayor.{{cite news|last1=Feranndo|first1=Hubert|title=SLPP's Dayan Lanza elected Negombo Mayor|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/147715/SLPP-s-Dayan-Lanza-elected-Negombo-Mayor|access-date=2 April 2018|work=The Daily Mirror|date=23 March 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}
• In Seethawakapura UC, where the UNF was the largest single party, SLPP candidate K. A. Ranaweera was elected chairman.{{cite news|title=SLPP's Ranaweera elected Seethawakapura Mayor|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/148402/SLPP-s-Ranaweera-elected-Seethawakapura-Mayor|access-date=22 April 2018|work=The Daily Mirror|date=7 April 2018|location=Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

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Category:Local elections in Sri Lanka