‘Ruling party council a must’

Rasika SOMARATHNA

A council affiliated to the ruling party would be the most suited to fulfill the needs and aspirations of Colombo citizens, former Mayor of Colombo and the person who served in that capacity for the longest period (1979– 1989), B Sirisena Cooray, said yesterday.

The former minister and one time General Secretary of the UNP said, he was of the view that a UPFA led administration headed by Milinda Moragoda,

will be the most capable in addressing issues faced by city folks from all walks of life.

“I have to say that I am very impressed with the work carried out by the government on the initiative of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to improve the appearance of the city. Citizens of Colombo and those who visit it from outside fully appreciate these improvements,” he said while urging Colombo voters to vote for UPFA to supplement the efforts.

He also praised government efforts to up the living standards of the tenement dwellers in the city. “The Head of State himself has given an assurance that these people would not be evicted but instead they would be provided with alternative and well equipped residential facilities within the city itself,” Cooray said. He urged tenement dwellers not to be misled by rumours to the contrary which he said were being spread by people with ulterior political motives.

Commenting on UPFA mayoral choice Milinda Moragoda, Cooray said that he was the best person to head Colombo.

“He is an excellent administrator and he is also capable of garnering support from all sectors. I have no doubt that he would make Colombo a city of excellence,” he added.