<h1>Local election control splits as plurality winner lacks majority, prompting coalition talks for council administrations.</h1> National People's Power emerged as the single largest party in the local council elections, leading in seats and vote share among declared results but lacking outright majorities in most councils. Combined opposition holdings exceed the NPP's in many councils, constraining its ability to form administrations alone. The SJB has indicated plans to negotiate coalitions with other opposition groups, while ITAK dominated the Tamil-majority northern councils, producing regional control patterns that will affect post-election coalition formation.