WPC Chief Minister to take action against CMC

Wellasse Bandara

COLOMBO: Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray yesterday said the Western Provincial Council (WPC) has handed over a charge sheet comprising seven charges on malpractices occurred in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

After conducting an inquiry, the WPC has formulated this charge sheet on various malpractices taken place in the CMC.

"We have informed the CMC to submit facts within 14 days on these charges levelled against the CMC, WPC Chief Minister told a media briefing yesterday.

"The inquiry has been made on the malpractices taken place in the CMC with effect from April 16, 2006.

"If the CMC is found at fault to these charges, steps will be taken to suspend the administration of the CMC by conducting a special investigation headed by a commission.

"Later, steps will be taken to dissolve the CMC," he said.

" If only Colombo Mayor is found guilty, steps will be taken to remove him from his post."

According to the powers vested in the Chief Minister under the clause two of No. 1991 Provincial Councils Act, the Chief Minister has handed over this charge sheet to the CMC. The WPC has also decided to take legal actions against the Government officials who will be the respondents to these charges.

The seven charges levelled against the CMC includes the awarding of contracts to dumping of garbage within the CMC region out of the existing tender procedure. Acting against the decisions taken by the tender board of the CMC is another charge levelled against the CMC.

The charge sheet has also mentioned various irregularities that occurred when roofing sheets were purchased by the CMC.