Will block efforts to convert CMC to an authority: Ranil

10 October 2011 04:00 pm

Leader of Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesighe today said the UNP would successfully block any effort by the government to convert the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) into an authority. Mr. Wickremesighe made this point at a media conference he held together with all the UNP candidates who contested for the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) in Colombo today.

“We will stop the setting up of the authority as we stopped the demolition of low income houses,” he said. “Those who say the government could use its power to control Colombo city should read the law,’ he said pointing out that a mayor has some powers to run the council independently,” he said.

Responding to a statement made by a government Minister at the UPFA press conference that the government would go ahead with its own plans to develop the Colombo City said no one should take this minister seriously. “How could they speak in such a manner even after they are defeated in Colombo,” he asked in an aggressive tone.

He also announced that the party’s candidate Titus Perera would be appointed as the Deputy Mayor of the CMC,” as per the tradition followed by the party to appoint a Sinhalese member to the post. Referring to the future of the CMC he said the party would strive towards safeguarding the rights of all city dwellers.

Mayor Elect A. J. M. Muzzamil said he would work for all communities as he had been elected by all of them. “I am thankful to all communities as all of them have placed their trust on m,” he said. He said he would be available to the people anytime, anywhere be it at his office or in his residence.

Mr. Muzammil also explained that he is ready to work with all parties representing the council and with all the state institutions which are dealing with urban development. “It is the duty of these institutions to work with the CMC,” he added. (Yohan Perera)