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The newly elected UNP members of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha took their oaths of office at a simple ceremony held at UNP office, Kelaniya on Friday morning.

The new Chairman Somaratne Athukorala, vice Chairman Janaka Kolonnage and other UNP members took their oaths before the Minister of Power and Energy Karu Jayasuriya.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister stated that the people had given a very clear victory for 98% local bodies throughout the country because of the farsighted present government's plans laid down by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Local bodies should take part in developing the villages and towns with the cooperation of the central government. The government will appoint local level consultative committees to advise on all aspects of planning and implementation of development projects in the respective areas. These committees will comprise members of the clergy, social organisations, intellectuals and other experienced personnel. This would enable us to obtain public assistance to provide more facilities to the people living in villages and to have better and close coordination and ensure no funds will go waste.

Newly elected Chairman Somaratne Athukorala said that what is given him today is not only a power but also a tedious responsibility of protecting this sacred city of Kelaniya as well as the welfare of the tax payers, a responsibility which he will fulfill without any discrimination. Other UNP Members who took oaths are Sunil Wijesiri, Siri Disanayeke, Henrey Kinsley De Silva, Priyantha Cabbral, Sumangala Samaraweera, S. Saddatissa, W. Vipula Peiris, Dhammika Viswanath, Gamini Sirisena, Gamine Dias, Karuna Samarasinghe and Felix Roland.

Meanwhile newly elected PA members of Kelaniya PS took their oaths at SLFP Kelaniya Office before the Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse on Friday afternoon.

They are Miss Shanthie Kumudunie (Former PS Chairperson), Seewalie Kelanithileke, Sarathchandra Dias, Thilak Weerasinghe, Gamine Gunaratne and Prassanna Ranaweera.

Addressing the gathering Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse said that although we could not win the local bodies we must not forget the people who voted for us or not. As Opposition members of the PS we must always observe whether those of the ruling party are carrying out their duties for the betterment of the people. There should be constructive criticism and not opposing everything moved by the ruling party. Be with the people. Next term will be yours, he predicted. 

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