Mayor could do many things: Ranil

After swearing in the Mayor of Colombo A. J. M. Muzammil today at his office Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said the Colombo’s city father could do many things including changing of government if he maintains the dignity of his post.

Mr. Wickremesinghe made this point by recalling how former Mayor of Colombo D. A. Sugathadasa made use of the privileges of his post to deliver a letter from the then UNP Dudley Senanayake to governor general William Gopallawa after the 1965 general election. He said late Mr. Sugathadasa undertook the task of informing the governor general that the UNP is ready to form a government. Mr. Wickremesinghe said the then Mayor undertook this task when there was no way for the party to inform the Governor General as no one was allowed to proceed towards Queens House. He said Mr. Sugathadasa was able to proceed towards the Queens House as he went in his official vehicle.

“This was the ability of past mayors and the current mayor should also follow this example,” he said.

He also requested Mr. Muzammil to work towards creating a Sri Lankan identity by treating all communities together. Mr. Wickremesinghe also stressed that that every household in the city should be able to enjoy the benefits of the new administration of the CMC.

Mr. Muzammil said he would not clash with any government institution as a Mayor but would work closely with them to development the city. “I would follow this policy as I need the government’s support to develop the city effectively,” he said.

He thanked the party leadership for all its support and mentioned that Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya and Co-Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa also supported him in his campaign. Mr. Jayasuriya was a notable absentee at the ceremony.

Titus Perera who was sworn in as the Deputy Mayor said the CMC would work with the government and support all its good work. He said they need the support of the entire group of the UNP members.

Mr. Muzammil is expected to assume duties and by October 27 while the inaugural sessions of the CMC is to be held around that time. It was reported that the new administration is yet to obtain the green light from the local government Ministry to go ahead with the assuming of duties and to hold sessions. (Yohan Perera)