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Pomp and pageantry at inaugural Central Provincial Council sitting
View(s):The maiden session of the sixth Central Provincial Council was declared open by Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Governor of the Province. The Governor was escorted to the Council premises at Pallekelle by white uniformed police outriders where he was welcomed by the Chairman of the Council, Mahinda Abeykoon and Secretary of the Provincial Council S. Meegaskumbura.
He then inspected a guard of honour drawn from a contingent of police from the Balagolla police.
Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa inspects the guard of honour with the Officer-in-Charge of the Balagolla police
Speaking after the reading of the policy statement by Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, the Governor addressing the newly elected Provincial Council members said, an analysis of development efforts in the region left no room for complacency. He said the reason for this was that the council had neither listed its priorities nor had a proper plan in place.
He called for an immediate rectification of this shortcoming.
Continuing, the governor said before projects could be implemented priority should be given as to how these projects benefitted the people. Cost estimates should be prepared and contracts awarded through due process.
If such a system was followed, the governor said the council would not face financial constraints.
The governor added that the council should not depend totally on government finances which were insufficient to meet council needs but should seek other avenues as well. He warned the council against, heaping hardships on the people.
Speaking further the governor said President Rajapaksa was making efforts to improve the co-operative movement, but certain co-operative societies in the province did not appear to be keeping pace with these expectations.
He felt certain shortcomings could be overcome by amending the statutes of the co-operative sector. Among the invitees were the Deputy Inspector General of Police H.M.G.B. Peramuna, Senior Superintendent of the Police S. Ellepola and other Senior Administrators.
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