Colombo Mayor, 20 Councillors join SLFP

COLOMBO: Colombo Mayor Uvais M. Imitiyaz, Deputy Mayor S. Rajendran and 19 other councillors of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) yesterday crossed over to the SLFP.

They obtained SLFP membership from President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

Imitiyaz said they decided to join the SLFP to strengthen the President's hands to usher in peace and prosperity to the country.

The councillors pledged their fullest support to the President's quest to defeat terrorism and achieve lasting peace.

The delegation requested the President to provide guidance and support for their endeavour to turn Colombo into one of the leading cities in Asia in accordance with Mahinda Chinthana.

President Rajapaksa told the delegation that his aim was to create a peaceful country where all communities could live together in harmony. He thanked them for extending their support to him at the juncture.

He stressed the need for a transformation in the CMC, pointing out the importance of formulating viable plans for uplifting slum dwellers. The Government on its part was constructing housing schemes for these residents and the CMC too should implement such projects, he added.

The President also cited the mosquito menace and drainage and garbage problems as matters requiring further attention by the CMC.

No one should be allowed to put up unauthorised structures in the City, regardless of political affiliations, he noted.

The President assured the Government's fullest support to the CMC to turn Colombo into a clean, world-class city.

Deputy Mayor Rajendran said the CMC's new rulers were committed to prevent malpractices which were rampant during the previous administration and guide the affairs of the CMC in line with the President's vision and thinking. Minister Arumugam Thondaman was also present.