CMC dissolved
Rafik JALALDEEN
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) was dissolved by Western Province
Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga with effect from midnight yesterday.
The dissolution was based on the findings of two Commissions of Inquiry
against the activities of a number of CMC members.
Chief City Administrator of CMC Omar Kamil told the Daily News that
the Western Provincial Council has taken a decision to dissolve the CMC
with effect from June 22 midnight. It was announced during the WPC
Committee meeting by Chief Minister Ranatunga.
Based on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry, the CMC was
dissolved. “The decision was taken consequence to an independent inquiry
carried out by retired Supreme Court Judge V.L.K Wimalachandra against
53 CMC members including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Colombo
Municipal Council, he added. Former WP Chief Minister Reginald Cooray
submitted nine charges against the CMC members on May 2007. The CMC
appointed two Commissions to investigate the facts and charges.
The first Commission appointed was led by Appeal Court Judge
Chandradasa Nanayakkara in 2007. He has investigated six out of the nine
charges and submitted a report to the former Chief Minister.
According to the finding of Justice Nanayakkara all the CMC members
were found guilty. However, there were several CMC members whose
innocence were proved during the second commission inquiry led by
Justice Wimalachandra.
Corruption rose considerably in the CMC during last few years. The
President summoned the CM and the Governor of the Western Province to
Temple Trees and directed them to commence an independent investigation
with the assistance of CMC officials.
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