Nominations for 2025 LG polls to open on 17 March

The Election Commission has announced that nominations for the 2025 Local Government elections will be accepted from 17 March, with the deadline set for 12 noon on 20 March. 

The Commission noted that the notices regarding the nomination process have already been published in Local Government institutions across the country, covering the election of Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chairpersons, Deputy Chairpersons and members of 336 local authorities.

The election will include 28 Municipal Councils, 36 Urban Councils, and 272 Pradeshiya Sabhas.

However, five Local Government bodies have been excluded from the upcoming elections and the Commission has not provided specific reasons for their exclusion.

These include, Kalmunai Municipal Council, Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabha in Ampara, Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha in Mannar, Punakari Pradeshiya Sabha in Kilinochchi, and Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha in Galle.

Candidates intending to contest will be required to place security deposits between 3 and 19 March with deadline set at 12 noon on 20 March. Deposits will not be accepted on 13 March, which falls on Poya Day or on the weekends of 8-9 March and 15-16 March. 

The election process across the country will be overseen by Returning Officers, who are the respective District Secretaries and District Commissioners.