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KMC Budget passed, UNP absent
View(s):The Kandy Muncipal Council Budget for 2014 was passed sans United National Party (UNP) participation with 14 votes – all from the ruling party.Opening the debate for the Opposition, its leader Neranjan Wijeyaratne said that according to the decision of the UNP, the Budget is being opposed as it is composed only of figures. He said the raising of taxes is a burden on the people and brings immense hardship to them.
Mayor Mahendra Ratwatte who presided postponed the meeting for ten minutes.When the meeting re-commenced, the UNP members were not present but a vote was taken on the Budget. The ruling UPFA, the Muslim Congress and the Mayor voted in favour. The Budget was passed without the UNP members being present.
It is the practice to inform the Press of the Budget when the agenda is posted to the press which normally covers the Kandy Municipal Council meetings. But, this Budget Day was not informed to the Press. This has never happened over the years of the existence of the Kandy Muncipal Council.