NPP Government Holds Firm: Public Approval Steady at 65% Amid Rising Economic Confidence
The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government has demonstrated remarkable political resilience, with its public approval rating holding strong at 65%, according to the latest Mood of the Nation survey conducted by Verité Research.
The poll, carried out in early February 2026 in partnership with Vanguard Survey (Pvt) Ltd, shows that the government’s popularity has remained statistically stable compared to the 62% recorded a year earlier, well within the ±3 percentage point margin of error.
A Rare Case of Sustained Political Confidence
In a political environment often marked by volatility and public disillusionment, the NPP administration has managed to sustain broad-based support. The latest figures suggest that public confidence in the government’s leadership—under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake—has not only endured but strengthened in key areas.
Notably, the disapproval rating has remained low and unchanged since February 2025, indicating the absence of significant public backlash despite ongoing economic and governance challenges.
Economic Sentiment Turns a Corner
For the first time in the poll’s four-year history, positive perceptions of the economy have overtaken negative ones. A majority of respondents now rate current economic conditions as “good” or “excellent,” surpassing those who describe them as “poor.”
Similarly, optimism about the future has grown. Sixty-four percent of respondents believe the economy is “getting better,” up from 55% a year ago. Meanwhile, the proportion who feel it is “getting worse” has remained largely unchanged, while the number of undecided respondents has declined—suggesting growing certainty and confidence among citizens.
These trends are reflected in the Economic Confidence Index, which improved sharply from +14 in 2025 to +36 in 2026. On a scale ranging from -100 to +100, this represents a significant shift in public mood.
Satisfaction Levels Cross a Critical Threshold
Another key indicator of political stability is general satisfaction with national direction. According to the survey, 59% of respondents said they were satisfied with “the way things are going” in the country.
This marks the first time in four years that satisfaction levels have exceeded the 50% mark, underscoring a broad perception that the government is delivering tangible results.
Political analysts view this milestone as particularly significant, as public satisfaction often correlates with electoral durability and policy legitimacy.
Strong Ratings on Law, Order, and Social Stability
When compared with previous administrations, the NPP government received its highest positive evaluations in the areas of crime and drug control. Interestingly, respondents rated progress in reducing drugs and criminal activity even more favourably than efforts to curb corruption.
This suggests that visible improvements in public safety and social order have become a central pillar of the government’s popular appeal.
Methodology and Credibility
The latest Mood of the Nation poll was conducted between 24 January and 3 February 2026, using a nationally representative, multi-stage, randomised sample of 1,048 adults from separate households. The survey carries a maximum sampling error of ±3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
As part of Verité Research’s Syndicated Surveys programme, the poll also allows other organisations to incorporate custom questions, enhancing its value for policy analysis and political forecasting.
A Mandate Reinforced, Not Taken for Granted
The latest findings suggest that the NPP government has achieved what many administrations struggle to maintain: consistent public trust over time. Stable approval ratings, rising economic optimism, and growing satisfaction indicate that voters increasingly perceive the government as competent and responsive.
However, analysts caution that sustained popularity brings heightened expectations. Maintaining momentum will require continued progress on economic reform, governance standards, and social protection.
For now, the numbers speak clearly. At 65% approval, the NPP government enters 2026 with a reinforced public mandate—one built not merely on rhetoric, but on measurable improvements in public sentiment and national confidence.