Charges for letting out Colombo New Town Hall high, says Councillor

Shirley WIJESINGHE

COLOMBO: The charges for letting out the Colombo New Town Hall are comparatively high, said Councillor Hemantha Kumara Weerakoon at the monthly meeting of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) on Monday.

Weerakoon made these remarks at the debate on the proposal of the Finance Committee for installation of a Public Address System at the New Town Hall. He said the Town Hall was normally rented to Trade Unions and educational movements.

“The present charges are around Rs. 15,000 plus an additional deposit of Rs. 10,000. Charges for consumption of electricity too is taken off the deposit. This should be converted to a fixed rate,” he stressed.

Councillor Gamini Ramya Kumar also agreed with the comments. CMC Opposition Leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara too spoke in favour of the proposal. He said any unauthorised release of the New Town Hall should be investigated by the CMC Audit Department.

Referring to the evaluation Committee proposal on the supply of a public address system, Councillor Milton Liyanage pointed out that no technically skilled person is included in the evaluation board.

Therefore he could not agree with the said proposal. Weerakoon asked for a division on the proposal in connection with the installation of public address system.

There were 15 votes in favour of the proposal and two against.

There was a heated argument between the Councillors Saman Abeygunaratne and Ariyaratne Wedage regarding reservation of land for a children’s playground in the vicinity of Maradana.

Councillor Ramzy Mohamed intervened to restore order.

The Council adjourned at 10 pm for want of a quorum.