SLPP loose Opposition Leader position in CMC

COLOMBO (News 1st): Who is the true opposition in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). This was the hot topic that created a tense situation at the CMC on Thursday (July 26th). The UNP secured power in the CMC with a total of 60 seats at the recent election. The SLPP came in second with 23 seats. The UPFA won 12 seats, the United Progressive Alliance won 10 seats, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna obtained 6 seats while other political and independent parties won 8 seats. UPFA councilor M.F.M.H. Manzil l submitted a document with signatures of 28 councilors claiming he is suitable for the post of opposition leader. A tense situation arose when the representatives of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna opposed this move. Speaking to the media following the CMC session, Mazil confidently stated that has the support of a majority in the opposition and that he was accepted as the Leader of the Opposition by the Mayor. He also noted that the SLPP had requested for 2 more days to bring in a document which shows that they have the majority in the opposition while noting that the have the signatures of only 23 members Mazil stated that he is the Opposition leader until they are capable of doing this. CMC Councilor Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam (SLPP) questioned how Min. Mano Ganesan's team in the CMC claim to be in the Opposition when they clearly attend the Mayor's group meetings. CMC Councilor M.M. Sharabdeen (UNP) stated that the Colombo Municipal Council ordinance does not mention anything about an opposition leader post it is only a position that's held by tradition. He added that 23 representing the Flower Bud party were elected but they failed to appoint a leader for the past six months. Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake said a final decision on this issue will be reached on Tuesday (July 31).