Colombo is a charter city, with a Mayor and Council form of government. Colombo's mayor and the council members are elected through local government elections held once in four years. For the past 50 years the city had been governed by the United National Party (UNP), whose business friendly policies resonate with the population of Colombo.

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is the largest Local Authority in Sri Lanka and one of the oldest in South Asia. Established in 1865, it has grown into a large organization catering to the needs of a resident population of 647,100 (2001 census) and a floating population of nearly 500,000 (estimated).

At the time of the establishment of the Municipal Council, the population was in the region of 80,000.

As the Legislative body of the City, the City Council serves as the link between the citizens of Colombo and their municipal government. Through the filing of legislation, the enactment of orders, ordinances, and resolutions, the Council actively represents the diverse interests of its residents while ensuring the efficient and cost effective delivery of services.

Today the council with 15 Departments is mainly responsible for the provision of services public health and curative services, solid waste management, maintenance of roads, Lands and Environmental Development, street lighting, water and drainage, and veterinary services. In addition to these there are number of Departments providing social services, sports and recreation, library services together with finance, rates, secretarial and training departments.

http://www.cmc.lk