New Sainthamaruthu Urban Council is a ruse to secure Muslim votes : S.M. Marikkar

Colombo (News 1st): Several views were expressed regarding the establishment of a new Urban Council for Sainthamaruthu which previously fell under the purview of the Ampara Kalmunai Municipal Council. UNP MP S.M. Marikkar noted that this was done during the time the UNP was in power they would have said that Sainthamaruthu was given their own state to operate in. He noted that they would like to question as to under the government of the war hero who protected our nation, who was behind establishing a separate urban Council for Sainthamaruthu when the government is implementing a policy of a united state. He questioned as to what the reason was behind this. He pointed out that the government has a duty to clarify these facts. He noted that the people of this country have a right to know about this and they would like to ask them if they (Government) would like to give a separate urban council for the Colombo Central zone that falls under the Colombo Municipal Council. He stressed that this is just a ruse to secure the votes of the Muslim community. However, State Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeyawardena noted that Sainthamaruthu was a place where there was an injustice done to both communities. He believes that the steps taken to address this issue and establish a separate local government body in the region are a timely move. Meanwhile, UPFA MP Chandima Weerakkody noted that as the government decisions will be taken according to the existing rules and regulations in the country, they must say that they are working according to the constitution of this country to preserve the country as a Sinhala Buddhist Country while creating the environment for all other communities to live with respect.