The inaugural session of the Colombo Municipal Council was held today (26) under the patronage of newly appointed Mayoress Vraie Cally Balthazaar.
In her opening remarks, Mayoress Balthazaar outlined the future vision and priorities of the Council. Deputy Mayor Hemantha Kumara also addressed the gathering.
However, the session faced immediate controversy after opposition members raised concerns over the legality of the meeting agenda. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Councilor Roy Bogahawatte objected, stating that the agenda had not been shared with members four days in advance, as required by the Municipal Council Ordinance, but instead was distributed just moments before the session began.
In response, both the Mayor and Municipal Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara admitted the procedural lapse during the open session and assured members that such a mistake would not be repeated.
Further objections were raised by SJB Councilor Mahendra Silva, who warned that appointing standing committees based on an improperly issued agenda would render those appointments invalid. He proposed that the session be adjourned and reconvened on another date.
Following this, Deputy Mayor Hemantha Kumara suggested a temporary adjournment. Acting on that proposal, Mayoress Balthazaar adjourned the session for ten minutes.
(dailynews.lk)
(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
