The local administration of the city is handled by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), which is the oldest and largest local government authority in Sri Lanka, established in 1865. The CMC is headed by a Mayor and comprises elected councilors who represent the city's various wards.
The Municipal Council is responsible for public health, sanitation, urban planning, road maintenance, and the management of public spaces. However, larger infrastructure and utility services are managed in conjunction with national government bodies.
Because Colombo is the commercial capital and located adjacent to the administrative capital (Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte), it hosts many national government ministries, foreign embassies, and the official residences of key state figures, including the President's House and the Prime Minister's residence (Temple Trees). Administratively, Colombo is the capital of the Western Province and falls under the purview of the Western Provincial Council.