SJB misses chance of forming Puttalam Urban Council

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) squandered an opportunity of forming the Puttalam Urban Council under their party, after its nominee for the Chairman’s post refused to contest for the position.

Accordingly the National People’s Power (NPP) nominee for the chairmanship was elected uncontested.

The NPP had only seven seats as against 12 opposition members that included four SJB members, three Sri Lanka Muslim Congress members, one UNP member enabling them to form the Council.

The National Front for Good Governance had three members and one independent member.

At the meeting SJB member M.N.M. Nusky’s name was nominated, but he declined the nomination and no other nomination was made.

Accordingly, the NPP nominee M.F.Rinzad Ahamed was elected as Chairman of the Puttalam UC.

For the Deputy Chairman’s position the name of Mr Nusky who declined contesting for the Chairman’s position and another SJB member Vjith Prasanna were nominated.

Mr Nusky who was backed by the NPP and few SJB members received 10 votes and was elected as the Deputy Chirman. The other  nominee received only six votes.

SJB sources said that due to an internal dispute the chance of forming the council was squandered.

Pix and text by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe