CBK opens Gonegala bridge amidst jeers

Colombo (News 1st) - The Gonegala bridge which falls across the Attanagalla Oya was declared open today (September 22) by Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. An uneasy situation took place after a group of SLPP local politicians voiced their protest. Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government and Sports Faiszer Mustapha and  Deputy Minister of Finance and Mass Media Lasantha Alagiyawanna were among those present for the event. Several SLPP local politicians along with their supporters staged a protest near the new bridge claiming the construction began during the tenure of the previous government. UPFA Western Provincial Councilor, Upul Mahendra Rajapaksa voiced that it was during MR's regime that permission was obtained for this construction. He stated that the construction was overseen by Basil Rajapaksa. After the bridge was declared an open event was organized at the premises - according to our correspondent when Minister Faiszer Musthapha was to address the gathering, the area experienced a power cut. Despite the jeers from the protestors, the Minister addressed the crowd. Minister Faiszer Musthapha stated that jeers cannot halt the development of a country. Then stated that the bridge will be used both by those who cheer and jeer. The MP then stated that if development is stopped due to petty politics, it is the public who face the consequences. -- This is something good for several villages. The politicians are trying to take advantage out of this. --