Debate over Saddam Hussain Gramam in East

1 January 2012 04:35 pm

A controversy is brewing in the Eastern Province following the fall of the Saddam Hussain regime in Iraq, over the move by certain quarters to change the name of the village hitherto called Saaddam Hussain Gramam in Eravur.
 
The Eravurpattu Pradeshiya Sabha had passed a resolution to amend the name as Iraq Gramam and a new sign board to the effect  was also put up in September.
 
However, the same Pradeshiya Sabha adopted another resolution last week saying the name “Saddam Hussain Gramam” would not be changed and that the Eravur Divisional Secretary had been informed of the decision.
 
The Pradeshiya Sabha authorities said the previous name change was reversed at the request of the people in the village and a decision by the board of Ministers of the Eastern Provincial Council.
 
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Basher Segudawood who is also the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said the village will be called Iraq Gramam, irrespective of whatever resolutions have been passed by any higher body. (Rifthi Ali)