[quote]When a road is being constructed, certain politicians hide behind the contractor. If not they will go stand at a construction site. These are the politicians today.[/quote]

Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Sarath Kumara Gunaratne commented on local government representatives at an event in Negombo on Sunday.

“This is why our own voted against the budgets of local government institutions. A group that is in greed of money and power have been created. At some places certain chairmen use their powers while in some places some ministers attempt to buy the Pradeshiya Sabha members or even the mayor for money. Present politics is one where one pays off members and showcase their monetary power.”

The 209^th Branch of Sathosa was declared open in Negombo by Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Sarath Kumara Gunaratne.

• Presidential vote: Three MPs allege they were threatened
• Opposition Leader condemns ‘witch hunt’ against youth
• A/L results before August end
• Protests against Govt repression held across the country
• HRW wants SL to resume Stolen Asset Recovery initiative