The National People’s Power (NPP), which rode to power on the promise of “change,” is now engaging in any sordid political game to cling to power, a fact clearly confirmed by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) budget vote. After suffering a major defeat by a margin of 3 votes in the first budget vote held on the 22nd, Malimawa secured a victory in their second attempt today (31st) by setting aside democratic principles and resorting to “poaching” opposition councilors and engaging in political conspiracies.
In today’s vote, 58 votes were cast in favour of the budget and 56 against, securing a critical win for Malimawa by a narrow margin of 2 votes. However, behind this victory lies a series of betrayals that have stained political morality. Notably, the shift of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) councilor Sihara Buhary, who had previously voted against the budget, to vote in favour this time, speaks volumes about the “deals” Malimawa struck behind closed doors. The SLMC has immediately taken steps to expel her for going against the party decision, and Mr. Daniel Raam, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) councilor who voted with Malimawa, also lost his party membership.
Furthermore, the sight of UNP councilor Mohamed Ameer Subair walking out of the chamber during the vote, along with two other opposition councilors not attending the session, demonstrates Malimawa’s attempt to artificially create a majority that they do not possess.
Local Government Authority Shakes – Minuwangoda Mayor Resigns!
Malimawa’s unstable governance is not limited to Colombo. The internal crisis within the ruling party has surfaced with the resignation of Mr. Asela Wickramarathchi, the Malimawa Chairman of the Minuwangoda Urban Council, today. A chairman being forced to resign after a short period of only six months is further evidence of Malimawa’s administrative failure and inability to fulfil public expectations.
Malimawa, which once boasted of a “new political culture,” is now employing the outdated tools of old-school politics to cling to power, a fatal blow to the country’s democracy. Political analysts suggest that this “hollow” administration, maintained by poaching councilors without a true public mandate, will eventually be rejected by the people themselves.
