The opposition, led by the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), secured significant victories in the local council elections, gaining control of the Neluwa Pradeshiya Sabha in the Galle district, along with the chairmanship, today (17). This outcome reflects the opposition’s majority in the Galle district following the recent local government elections.
Ajith Chandana of the SJB was elected as the chairman of the Neluwa Pradeshiya Sabha after securing the majority vote in the election held today.
In a similar vein, the SJB’s Mohamed Mahdi was elected as the mayor of the Kynniya Municipal Council in the Trincomalee district, having also obtained the majority of votes in the election. Furthermore, the Ratnapura Pradeshiya Sabha also fell under the control of the opposition.
Hikkaduwa Liyanage Nimal Munasinghe of the SJB was appointed as the chairman of the Ratnapura Pradeshiya Sabha after gaining the majority in the voting process.
However, the election for the new chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, scheduled for today, was postponed indefinitely.
The voting process commenced under the guidance of the Western Province Commissioner, Sarangika Jayasundara. During the session, two proposals were presented regarding the voting method – whether it should be a secret ballot or an open vote.
As the Commissioner held the authority to decide, she opted for a secret ballot. This decision led to a protest by 24 members who walked out of the council chamber.
Consequently, the lack of a quorum forced the Commissioner to adjourn the council for 30 minutes. Despite the recess, the situation did not improve, leading to the indefinite postponement of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha meeting.
As a result, the appointment of a chairman and vice-chairman for the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha did not take place today.
