1 June 2020 12:10 am
By Yohan Perera
A resolution calling the Central Government to reduce fuel prices moved by the JVP at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) sessions on Friday, May 29 was unanimously approved by all parties representing the council. Opposition SLPP members, UPFA and ruling UNP members and others came together in approving the resolution. The resolution called for the reduction of fuel prices in order to provide some concession to the people who are battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, members were undecided on few other resolutions during the sessions. One was a proposal to distribute 50,000 bags of rice to the needy people in the city. Fingers were pointed at Municipal Treasurer who had issued a statement on the financial position of the council. He had stated in the statement that CMC cannot afford the distribution given its financial constraints. When contacted by the Daily Mirror CMC SLPP member Sharmila Gonawala had also said CMC might find itself in a debt trap if it goes ahead with the distribution. “CMC which is on a bank overdraft will go bankrupt if it goes ahead with the distribution,” she said.
The other resolution which became the centre of the discussion was the proposed purchase of sports equipment at a cost of Rs.90 million.
The two proposals were deferred at the end.