Thirty years in politics: minister to be feted

Wyman Hettiarachchi, Colombo central group corr

The Colombo Municipal Council unanimously decided to felicitate Irrigation and Water Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on his completion of 30 years in politics at a meeting recently. Mayor A J M Muzammil presided.

The decision was taken following a motion tabled by Opposition leader Ajantha Liyanage. He said Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was first elected as a member of the Colombo Municipal Council on May 18, 1983.

"He has functioned as Opposition Leader in the council. At present he functions as Irrigation and Water Management Minister. He has rendered a great service towards the people in the Colombo city in particular, and the country in general as a MMC, Parliamentarian and minister. The Council should appreciate his services by felicitating him," Liyanage said.

Mayor Muzammil said Minister de Silva was an honour and pride to the Colombo Municipal Council.

"The minister did not seek shortcuts to attain political power. Today, he is a great source of strength to the President and the government," he said.

Deputy Mayor Titus Perera seconded the motion which was carried unanimously after several other MMCs from the governing UNP and the Opposition spoke in favour.