UK Deputy Prime Minister Seeks Insight into NPP’s Electoral Gains in the North

24-Feb-2026

.

David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has sought explanations from civil society representatives regarding the unprecedented electoral breakthrough of the National People’s Power (NPP), a Sinhala-majority national party, in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

During his official visit to Sri Lanka last week, Lammy met with civil society representatives in Colombo. Participants included Dr. Akilan Kadirgamar, President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, Attorney-at-Law Ranitha Gnanarajah, Attorney-at-Law Gowthaman, and women’s rights activist Nabeela Iqbal.

Discussions covered the impact of Cyclone “Thidva” and ongoing recovery efforts, minority rights, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and proposed replacement legislation, the continued absence of justice and accountability, delays in Provincial Council elections, setbacks in drafting a new constitution, and the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.

Lammy showed particular interest in understanding the factors that enabled the NPP to gain a foothold in the North during recent elections, posing questions and seeking clarification on the broader dimensions of this political shift.