Kandy MC opposition stages walkout alleging rampant corruption by UNP administration
 

by Jayasinghe Premaratne and Sanjaya Asela Maturata

The opposition in the Kandy Municipal Council staged a walk out yesterday accusing the administration of massive irregularities and rampant corruption.

The opposition comprising the SLFP and JVP which stormed out of the monthly meeting of the council vowed to continue their boycott until fresh elections are held to the local body.

When the council presided over by Kandy Mayor Kesara Senanayake met yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition Sena Dissanayake (SLFP) and Anura Kumara Gonawela (JVP) made special statements. Immediately thereafter they walked out of the meeting with opposition councillors Sarath Wijesinghe, Lal Dharmasiri, Sanjeewa Hulangamuwa and Anura Kulatunga, protesting.

Briefing the press following the walkout, Leader of the Opposition Sena Dissanayake said the administration of the Council had hit rock bottom with a tug of war on between the Mayor and his Deputy."Today we are in the dark as to who heads the Council.

"We will carry forward our battle until victory is achieved" He said they would commence a campaign to educate the rate payers in Kandy including the business community and launch a broadbased agitation to bring down the corrupt regime .

Anura Kumara Gonawela of the JVP said all activities of the Council are being carried out in violation of the Municipal Ordinance.

"Land belonging to the Kandy Municipal Council have been leased out to political supporters and while court orders have been obtained after spending millions as legal costs for eviction non of these orders have been executed".

He said that the Mayor had purchased a luxury vehicle costing several millions, but for the entire 23 wards of the Kandy Municipal council there was only one fuel bowser. He accused the adminstration of neglecting the rate payers and instead feathering the nests of family friends and Party henchmen. "We will mobilise all forces against this injustice and dictatorial rule", he said.

There were no interruptions from the UNP members when the special statement was made by the Opposition Leader.

Of special interest was the absence of UNP councillor Cyril Manatunga at the meeting, prior to which he was present at the Council's Finance Committee meeting.

A large number of rate payers and small traders were also present to greet the opposition members as they walked out of the Council meeting.