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NPP’s Vraie Balthazaar questioned for jumping the gun
Colombo, June 9 (Daily Mirror) - The recent inspection tour conducted by Vraie Balthazaar - who has been nominated by the National People's Power (NPP) as the Mayor of Colombo Municipal Council, is mired in controversy, with the opposition questioning how she could act out as mayor even before the municipal administration is formed.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman asked how Ms. Balthazaar could carry out mayoral duties, such as inspecting a canal-cleaning project in Colombo over the weekend before a formal administration had been established in Colombo.
"How can Ms. Balthazaar act as the Mayor of Colombo before the CMC administration has been legally formed?" MP Rahman asked.
"The NPP came into power promising a system change. Yet, they seem to be disregarding existing systems and procedures," he told the Daily Mirror, adding that no previous government had acted in such a manner.
Rahman said that the SJB has reached an understanding with its allies to share key posts—such as Mayor, Chairman, and Deputy Chairman—in local bodies where the NPP does not hold a clear majority to form an administration.
“We have come to an agreement with several supporting parties to share local government leadership positions,” he said, noting that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), People’s Alliance (PA), United National Party (UNP), Sarvajana Balaya, and several independent members have pledged to work together within the CMC to secure the mayoral post.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended Balthazaar’s involvement in the inspection tour. Speaking to the media, he said he had accompanied her to ensure the proper implementation of development projects.
“As Chairman of the Colombo District Development Committee, it is my responsibility to oversee ongoing development initiatives. Ms. Balthazaar cannot afford to wait until the formal swearing-in to ensure progress on these essential projects,” he told the media.
Watagala also asserted that the NPP has the required numbers to form the CMC administration and that holding a vote to elect the Mayor is now a mere formality.
“We are only 11 short of an outright majority and have secured support from several independent groups. Therefore, we are clearly ahead of the opposition in forming the CMC administration,” he added.
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