<h1>Sri Lankan Local Council Elections Showcase Democratic Process Amid Economic Challenges, Ruling Party Seeks Continued Political Mandate</h1> Local council elections were held in Sri Lanka with the ruling National People's Power party expecting continued success. Voting occurred across 339 councils after a previous postponement due to economic crisis. The election proceeded peacefully with over 17 million voters participating. Counting began immediately after polls closed, with initial results anticipated by late evening. Election monitoring groups noted moderate voter turnout, estimated around 60 percent participation.