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by Matara Central correspondent

Leader of the Opposition Chandrasiri Gajadheera with other members of the People's Alliance walked out of the Matara Municipal Council's monthly meeting alleging that the convening of the meeting was irregular in the absence of a duly appointed Municipal Commissioner.

Mr. Chandrasiri Gajadheera (Attorney-at-Law) said that the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government - Matara cannot perform the duties of the Municipal Commissioner, because he was there to give directions to the council, when the council did not act in terms of the provisions of the M.C. Ordinance. With the permission of the House, the Acting Municipal Commissioner N.W. Yapa making a statement at this stage said due to the 500 vacancies prevailing throughout the island, and 17 in the Matara district, services of a Grade I administrative officer to perform the duties of the Municipal Commissioner, Matara M.C. was not available. Therefore, I have been directed to act for the commissioner and the Mayor has delegated powers to me to carry out the duties under the M.C. ordinance.

Mr. P. Vinodahewa (UNP) said that Section 17-33 of the M.C. Ordinance (Chapter 252 - 1956 - Revision) have elaborated the procedure to be adopted in convening meetings of the council, Municipal Councillors Sosindu Hadunge and S.M.W. Upul Nishantha both of PA also said that the meeting convened was illegal.

Mayor, Nimal de Silva in reply rejected all the arguments placed before the House by the opposition as irrelevant, irregular and misconclusive.

At this stage Members of the Opposition walked out of the meeting. Mr. Nimal de Silva said that the walking out was an act of sabotage and nothing else.

Thereafter the meeting continued without the opposition.

Deputy Major Nandasena Sellahewa (UNP) and councillors Jagath Nallaperuma (UNP), Jaliya Jayawardhana (UNP) and Sunil Keerthi (UNP) also spoke.

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