NPP Sweeps 2024 General Election in Sri Lanka

The 2024 General Election in Sri Lanka has marked a turning point in the island nation's political history. For the first time, the National People's Power (NPP), a party rooted in leftist ideals and led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), secured a resounding victory, amassing 159 seats in Parliament. This victory represents not only a political triumph but also a significant shift in the way politics is conducted in Sri Lanka.

A Historic Milestone in Sri Lanka's Politics

One of the most striking outcomes of this election was the unprecedented support for the NPP in regions traditionally dominated by ethnic and regional politics. In the northern province, particularly Jaffna, Tamil voters broke away from their long-standing support for Tamil political parties and cast their votes for the JVP—a party with Sinhala-Buddhist roots. This fundamental shift signals a new era of politics in Sri Lanka, where voters prioritise national issues over ethnic divisions.

For decades, Tamil-majority regions like Jaffna and Vanni were bastions of hardline Tamil nationalism. Yet, in 2024, the NPP managed to win both districts, defying historical norms and demonstrating a profound change in voter sentiment.

NPP’s Gains in the Hill Country

The Hill Country, home to the majority of Tamil plantation workers, also witnessed significant gains for the NPP. In Nuwara Eliya, a region traditionally loyal to Tamil political parties and the United National Party (UNP), the NPP secured five out of eight seats. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) won two seats, while the UNP managed just one. This shift highlights the growing appeal of the NPP’s policies across ethnic lines, particularly among marginalised communities seeking tangible socio-economic change.

Decimation of the SLPP in the Sinhala Heartland

The Southern Province, often referred to as the Sinhala heartland and home to political stalwarts like Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, witnessed a near-total collapse of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). The NPP dominated the region, securing 18 seats, while the SJB and SLPP each managed only two. This outcome underscores the waning influence of the Rajapaksa-led SLPP and the electorate’s dissatisfaction with traditional political powerhouses.

Election Results at a Glance

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka released the all-island final results, revealing a decisive mandate for the NPP:

• National People's Power (NPP): 6,863,186 votes (61.56%) – 159 seats (including 18 bonus seats)
• Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): 1,968,716 votes (17.66%) – 40 seats (including 5 bonus seats)
• Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK): 257,813 votes – 8 seats (including 1 bonus seat)
• New Democratic Front (NDF): 500,835 votes – 5 seats (including 2 bonus seats)
• Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): 350,429 votes – 3 seats (including 1 bonus seat)

Other parties and independent groups, including the United National Party (UNP), Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC), and All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), secured a handful of seats, reflecting their diminished influence in this election.

Prime Minister Harini Sets New Record in Colombo District Preference Votes

In a historic achievement, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has set a new benchmark in Sri Lankan politics, securing the highest number of preferential votes in the Colombo District during the 2024 General Election. Dr. Amarasuriya, representing the National People's Power (NPP), polled an unprecedented 655,289 votes, topping the district's preference vote list and breaking all previous records in the island's parliamentary election history.

Breaking a Long-Standing Record

Dr. Harini's remarkable vote count surpasses the previous record held by former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who garnered 527,364 preferential votes in the 2020 General Election while contesting from the Kurunegala District. This achievement not only reflects Dr. Amarasuriya’s popularity but also underscores the transformative political wave led by the NPP.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa Trails Behind

Coming in second in the Colombo District was SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, who secured 145,611 preferential votes. Other notable candidates from the SJB, including Dr. Harsha De Silva, Mujibur Rahman, and S.M. Marikkar, also earned seats in Parliament, reflecting their party's presence in the district despite the NPP's overwhelming success.

A Testament to Leadership

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya’s record-breaking performance is a testament to her leadership and the public’s trust in her vision for a reformed and inclusive Sri Lanka. Her achievement symbolises the broader mandate given to the NPP in this election, as voters across the country have rallied behind its promise of systemic change and accountable governance.

With this milestone, Prime Minister Amarasuriya has not only solidified her position as a leading figure in Sri Lanka’s political landscape but also paved the way for a new era of leadership focused on addressing the nation’s challenges with integrity and innovation.

A Mandate for Change

The NPP’s landslide victory comes with enormous expectations. Formed in 2019, the NPP campaigned on a platform of systemic reform, targeting corruption, inefficiency, and the concentration of power in the executive presidency. Among their key promises was the abolition of the executive presidency, a move aimed at decentralising power and ensuring greater accountability in governance.

Abolishing the Executive Presidency

The executive presidency in Sri Lanka has long been criticised for granting excessive powers to a single individual, enabling decisions that could undermine democratic principles. From appointing Supreme Court judges to granting presidential pardons, the role has often been mired in controversy. The NPP now faces the challenge of fulfilling its promise to abolish this system, a move that would require bipartisan support and constitutional amendments.

Managing the IMF Bailout

Another pressing issue for the NPP-led government is its approach to the USD 2.9 billion bailout secured from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has left the country heavily reliant on international financial assistance. The NPP’s stance on restructuring debt, implementing austerity measures, and balancing economic recovery with social welfare will come under intense scrutiny.

Redefining Ethnic Politics in Sri Lanka

The 2024 election has also redefined ethnic politics in Sri Lanka. The Tamil community’s decision to vote for the JVP/NPP in Jaffna and Vanni, as well as the party’s gains in the Hill Country, indicate a growing disillusionment with traditional ethnic-based politics.

Historically, Tamil political parties like the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) and the All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) dominated these regions, often leveraging ethnic grievances to secure votes. However, their inability to address pressing socio-economic issues appears to have alienated voters. The NPP’s message of unity, economic reform, and anti-corruption resonated across ethnic divides, illustrating the potential for a more inclusive political discourse in Sri Lanka.

The Decline of Traditional Parties

The election results also highlight the decline of Sri Lanka’s traditional political giants. The SLPP, which once dominated the political landscape, was reduced to just three seats. The UNP, a party that led the country for decades, managed only one seat. Even the SJB, now the main opposition party with 40 seats, struggled to make significant inroads against the NPP’s momentum.

Challenges Ahead for the NPP

While the NPP’s victory is historic, it also places immense responsibility on the party to deliver on its promises. The public’s mandate is clear, but so are the challenges:

1. Economic Recovery: Addressing the ongoing economic crisis will require pragmatic policies and transparent governance.
2. Ethnic Reconciliation: Building trust among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities will be crucial for long-term stability.
3. Governance Reform: Implementing promised reforms, such as abolishing the executive presidency, will test the NPP’s ability to navigate parliamentary politics.

The 2024 General Election has reshaped Sri Lanka’s political landscape, with the NPP emerging as a dominant force. The party’s success across traditionally divided regions highlights a shift in voter priorities toward national unity and systemic change.

As the NPP takes the reins of power, the eyes of the nation—and the world—will be on their ability to deliver on their ambitious promises. With 159 seats in Parliament, the NPP has the mandate, but the road ahead will require not only political will but also an inclusive vision for Sri Lanka’s future.