NCP Governor pays tribute to past Kegalle UC Chairmen

BY Walter Dayaratne, Anuradhapura Dist. Special Corr.

NORTH Central Province Governor Dr. Jagath Balasooriya said that at a time when human values were relegated to insignificance and the money factor played a mayor role in all aspects of human society, it was highly commendable that the Kegalle Urban Council had acted in an exemplary manner paying due respects to those who deserve them.

He made this observation addressing a meeting held to commemorate and honour all the past Chairmen of the Kegalle UC. The meeting was organised by the incumbent Chairman Jude Rukantha Perera.

Dr. Balasooriya said that no body would forget the great services rendered by the past chairmen of the Kegalle UC for the economic and cultural well being of the people living in the city and to promote their moral standard.

The services rendered by past Chairmen like Ashley Peiris, Vincent Wickramasinghe, P. B. Balasooriya etc. were especially noteworthy." he said.

"They not only practised gentlemanly politics but also served the people impartially regardless of their political colour, religion or race.

"It was not a secret that among the past Chairmen there were eminent lawyers, businessmen, senators, scholars and authors.

The immeasurable service rendered by late P. B. Balasooriya, a follower of legendary scholar Munidasa Cumaratunga would never be forgotten by the people of Kegalle. It is our duty to appreciate the services done by all the past Chairmen and pay our gratitude to them.

A special mention must be made about the pioneer role played by late P. B. Balasooriya in constructing a new Town Hall building complex for the UC and the contributions made to the language, culture, religion and country together with his Guru Munidasa Cumaratunga. Examples set by them are more valuable than advice and sermons," Dr. Balasooriya said.

He thanked the incumbent Chairman for convening an event of immense importance.

Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa Province - Maheepala Herath, Treasurer of SLFP Women's organisation - Kumari Balasooriya, UC Chairman Jude Rukantha Perera, UC Opposition Leader H. R. Sisira Upasena Nissanka, Urban Councillor G. K. Samarasinghe and many other distinguished members of both clergy and laity were present.