In its march towards modern city:

‘CMC cannot function as separate entity’

Disna MUDALIGE

Minister Dullas Alahapperuma

‘The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) cannot be ruled as a separate institution, but it should move in harmony with the central government to convert it to a modern city suitable for the 21st century, SLFP Treasurer and Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

Addressing a press conference at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday, the minister said that the UPFA selected Milinda Moragoda as its mayoral candidate since his vision, goes beyond the latest technology of the world. It is ideal to develop the capital city of the country.

The minister observed that the main Opposition mayoral candidate had remarked with ignorance that he can develop the city of Colombo without the support of the central government from the revenue of the city alone.

The minister pointed out that the total revenue of the city last year was Rs 6,789 million, including tax revenue of Rs 2,693 million. About Rs 2,000 million of that money was required to pay the salaries of the CMC employees.

The Minister said that this proves the immaturity of oppositions politics. He further said that the UPFA will broaden its election campaign from this weekend and the party supporters will visit every household at least twice in the campaign.

He noted that the President also meets UPFA candidates for the 23 local government bodies in which elections will be held on October 8 to ensure a victory to the party.

Fisheries Industries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said that the aim of the government is to make Colombo the most attractive city of Asia by 2016.

He noted that UPFA mayoral candidate Milinda Moragoda is the most suitable person to carry out this task since he possesses a vivid picture, imagination and plans for an attractive city.