CMC Opposition asserts its majority

Disna Mudalige

The Opposition of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) will acquire the majority representation in its 16 Standing Committees to be appointed at the general meeting tomorrow, said CMC media spokesman for the Opposition Reza Sarook.

He said that the entire Opposition has received 29 seats whereas the ruling party has only 24 seats.

He observed that the entire Opposition has received a majority of 31,000 votes over the UNP at the election. He noted that this fact stands as proof that the support of the majority of people is with the Opposition.

He was speaking at a press conference in Colombo yesterday to clarify the legal and social side of the issue of CMC logistical facility for the Opposition. CMC Chief Opposition Whip M H Manzil observed that the Opposition's room was handed over ceremonially last Monday by Municipal Commissioner Bhadrani Jayawardene on the direction of Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.

He noted that certain media reports which said the Opposition members entered the room forcibly by breaking the locks were incorrect and misleading. He said that the Opposition group meeting was held at the CMC on Saturday evening and they returned the key to the caretaker once it was finished.

He also said that CMC new mayor A. J. M. Muzammil must first learn the tradition, history and usual procedure of the CMC since he seems ignorant over the past tradition of facilitating an Opposition's office within the CMC. He also observed that various influences had been directed at the Municipal Commissioner during the past few days for providing a logistical facility for the Opposition.

He also noted that future meetings and press conferences of the CMC Opposition will be held at their office in the CMC. Meanwhile, issuing a press release Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that the Colombo mayor has no fair reason to deprive the logistical facility given to the Opposition. Democratic United Alliance Councillor Roy Bogahawatte, Jathika Hela Urumaya Councillor Madu Madawa Aravinda, Independent Group two Councillor Ranjith Seneviratne and Muslim Congress Councillor Saul Naizer also spoke.