CMC Mayor says her mandate remains unchanged as second reading to follow

Colombo, Dec. 23 (Daily Mirror) - Despite the setback, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar said the budget would proceed to a second reading, during which amendments could still be proposed if necessary.

Mayor Balthazaar emphasized that her mandate remains unchanged and said the budget is expected to come into effect within two weeks, allowing planned development projects and municipal services to move forward without disruption.

She said the budget was prepared through an extensive consultative and participatory process, which included discussions with opposition members of the council.

However, the proposals failed to secure the required number of votes to pass the first reading. The Mayor attributed the outcome to political motives, stressing that the defeat did not reflect a rejection of the substance of the budget.

Mayor Balthazaar emphasized that her mandate remains unchanged and said the budget is expected to come into effect within two weeks, enabling planned development projects and municipal services to continue without disruption.

Reaffirming her administration’s priorities, she said the focus would remain on uninterrupted service delivery and meeting the needs of Colombo’s residents.

Under existing law, a mayor is permitted to remain in office for up to two years even if a council budget is defeated.