A number of Local Government sittings to appoint heads turns into chaos

Several incidents were reported across many local government bodies during the election of chairpersons and deputy chairpersons. The process of selecting officials for the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha ended in a fist fight. The Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) and the United National Party (UNP) secured seven seats each at the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the United National Freedom Front (UNFF) won a seat each. The SLPP member pledged support to the CWC when electing the Chairman while the UPFA Member supported the UNP. However, as UNP member Liyanarachchige Ranjani failed to appear for today's (March 28) sitting, CWC member K. Senmugawalli was elected as the Chairperson for the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha. The UNP members opposed this decision and requested the Local Government Commission to cancel today’s sittings. However, as there was no lack of quorum the appointment was accepted as a legal one. When the situation was escalating from within, another group attempted to enter the premises. Police prevented this group of people from entering the local government premises, when the councilors stepped out following the session, the situation later escalated into a fist fight. A secret vote took place for the post of Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council. The position was won by Thushara Sanjeewa representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. At the location government election, the UNP and the SLPP both secured eight seats each at the Kurunegala Municipal Council. The UPFA secured three seats while the JVP and All Ceylon Makkal Congress secured one seat each. At the vote held today (March 28), the UNPs Waruna Premaratne could only secure nine votes while the Thushara Sanjeewa of SLPP secured 11 votes. Priyantha Pushpakumara from SLPP was elected as Chairman of the Attanagalla Pradeshiya Sabha. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna was able to secure control of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha today (March 28) when Thyagaratne Alwis was elected as Chairman. The inaugural session of the Hambantota Pradeshiya Sabha and the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha was postponed due to the lack of quorum. WATCH HERE: https://www.facebook.com/NewsfirstSL/videos/1892192187507697/