News
CMC mayoral showdown today
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) faces a mayoral showdown today after weeks of political horse-trading, tense negotiations and allegations of bribery.Both the JVP-led NPP and the SJB-led opposition group, vying for the coveted CMC mayoral post, expressed confidence of winning today’s contest.
The election of the new Mayor and the Deputy Mayor will take place as the first order of business, when the CMC meets today. The winning party needs at least 59 seats of the 117-member council to secure the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
The NPP obtained 48 seats at the 6 May Local Government elections whereas the SJB managed to secure only 29.
At a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the JVP Palewatte office on Saturday, the ruling party declared that it would form the administration at the CMC. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, who contested the LG poll as the NPP’s mayoral candidate, assured the gathering that the ruling party would take over the CMC.
The UNP came third at the CMC with 13 seats, and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) gained five seats.Political sources said that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed that the SJB and UNP at least contest together for the CMC but Sajith Premadasa rejected that move.
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress received four seats, Independent Group No. 03 obtained three seats, the Sarvajana Balaya received two seats, and the United Peace Alliance also secured two seats.
Independent Groups No. 04 and 05 received two seats each.
The United Republic Front, the National People’s Party, the National Freedom Front, the Podujana United Front, the Democratic National Alliance, Independent Group No. 01, and Independent Group No. 02 received one seat each.
Well informed sources said that the NPP seemed to be having an edge over the SJB-led grouping though the Opposition last week reached consensus on alliance to take over some of the hung councils. The NPP scored outright victories in 161 councils out of 339 bodies to which elections were held on 06 May.
Meanwhile, the March 12 Movement has claimed that political parties/individuals are being bribed by those seeking to form administration at various hung councils. The civil society grouping has said that while conclusive evidence remains limited, widespread public opinion suggests that financial incentives and other benefits may have influenced the support extended to various parties. Such perceptions, whether confirmed or not, do not bode well for the future of local governance, the group has said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially opened the Wax Museum established at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy.this morning (17)
The Ehelepola Walawwa, which was renovated by the Urban Development Authority, has been handed over to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The museum was then established, ensuring the preservation of its archaeological and cultural significance.
The museum features wax recreations depicting the architecture, customs and arts and crafts of the Kandyan Kingdom, to which the Ehelepola Walawwa belongs. There are also exhibition stalls showcasing traditional industries, as well as a dining area illustrating how ancient royal meals were prepared, complete with their recipes.
Furthermore, 35 lifelike wax figures of significant historical figures have been recreated at the museum. These include Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Thera, Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera, King Wimaladharmasūriya I, Queen Kusumāsana Devi, Monarawila Keppetipola Disawe, Devendra Mulachari, Governor Robert Brownrigg, Ehelepola Maha Adikaram, Kumarihami, and their two children.
It’s anticipated that this museum, designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s grandeur and pride, will be a major attraction for both local and international tourists visiting Kandy.
It’s also expected to become a centre where the current generation can accurately study the Kandyan Kingdom and its associated history.
Athula Herath, a resident of Gampola, is the designer of the museum. The project, which falls under the Ehelepola Walawwa Museum Special Project, was implemented at a cost of Rs. 300 million.
Among those present at the opening were Most Venerable Dr Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya and Most Venerable Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya; Most Venerable Wendaruwe Upali Thera and Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera, the Anunayake Theras of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya, along with other revered monks from both the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Syamopali Maha Nikaya, including their registrars and executive council members.
Also in attendance were K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and a host of invited dignitaries and scholars from various fields.
It has been reported that three police officers holding the rank of Sub Inspector [SI] attached to the Matara Division Intelligence Unit and the Thihagoda and Mawarala police stations have been interdicted following allegations of misconduct.
The three officers are alleged to have visited a Spa in the Walgama area in Matara and demanded free service..
Based on a complaint received, an internal investigation conducted by the Office of the Superintendent of Police in Matara found the officers guilty of misconduct and corrupt practices.
Further investigations into the incident are being conducted.
It has been reported that indictments have been served on former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters and son-in-law charged for acquiring wealth unlawfully.
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