NPP should be allowed to administer all local bodies: SJB MP

• Inability to nominate their personal choices has led some SJB organizers to resign

By Yohan Perera and Mahesh Keerthiratne

National People’s Power (NPP) should be allowed to administer all local bodies so that people can get an accurate picture of the ruling party’s capabilities, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S. M. Marikkar said yesterday.  
“One must allow the NPP to run local bodies so that the whole nation will get to know about its real ability, efficiency and effectiveness. This is my personal view but the official view of my party is different,” Marikkar told a media briefing.  
“I am prepared to bow down to my party’s view with regard to local bodies,” he added.  
Asked about the resignations of a few organisers, the MP said the main reason was the inability to include members of their choice in local bodies. He explained that this has not been possible due to the local government election law. “However, I feel that the party should balance the situation, as those organisers who are frustrated are ones who have done so much for the SJB,” he said.  
However, he said some organisers who had left might return.  
The MP was referring to the resignation of SJB Deputy National Organizer Ranjith Aluwihare and others, including Dambulla Organizer Champika Wijeratne.  
Furthermore, the MP said he has no knowledge of developments concerning the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), as he is being excluded from discussions despite representing the Colombo District. “I also have an issue as I am kept out of discussions on the forming of CMC,” he said.  
The MP emphasised that he has no plans to leave the SJB, as he is a founding member of the party.