Chief Minister of the Uva Province begs for forgiveness

COLOMBO (News 1st) - An argument broke out in the Uva Provincial Council today over a statement made by the Chief Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake. The chief minister was speaking on granting various privileges to Councilors. Following the statement, three UPFA Councilors announced that they would sit as independents in the council in future, in opposition to the Chief Minister's statement. As the debate went on, Councilors Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Kumarasiri Ratnayake and Sudarshana Denipitiya took their seats as independent members of the opposition. Speaking on the matter, JVP Councilor Samantha Vidyaratne stated that the people's sovereignty has been cast aside and politicians are working for the Chief Minister's money and vehicles. PC Vidyaratne added: "You can ask the Chief Minister and the other Ministers and Councilors whether they have been bought. We need to ask them whether they are on drugs." UPFA CouncilorShashendra Rajapaksa joined the debate and stated that during his tenure as Chief Minister he did not even accept a cup of tea from a contractor. He noted that when allegations of this nature arise against the chief minister they have a problem remaining in the ruling party. Responding to the arguments, Chief Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake stated that "anyone can bring a no-confidence motion". He added that he is prepared to step aside. The Chief Minister stated that his statement is not one that denigrates councillors. "During his speech, Shasheendra Rajapaksa said 34 were on the take. I have evidence about Shasheendra Rajapaksa. We are prepared to say it." he added. This prompted members in the opposition to express their frustration towards the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister attempted to control the proceedings of the situation by apologising to the members of the council.