The Kotte Urban Development Council was created in the 1930s, with a modern building at Rajagiriya.

There are 20 Members of the Municipal Council (MMCs), elected on proportional representation.

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious urban centre.

According to the census of 2012 the demographics by ethnicity and religion is as follows: The Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council is divided into 16 wards and is represented by 20 councillors, elected using an open list proportional representation system.

[13] The Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council has six standing departments each headed by the mayor.