A new mutli-purpose building constructed in Mawaramandiya, Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha was declared open on the morning of November 28, by a group including the former chairman of the council. Incidentally, the former chairman was not invited for the ceremony.
The event was to be held today with the participation of several ministers and MPs. However, a group of former members of the Pradeshiya Sabha including the former Chairman Ananda Ganepola decided otherwise. They took a step further after declaring the building open by defacing the commemorative plaque at the building.
Upon declaring the auditorium open, the group also used ‘wicks’ -fashioned from a torn up handkerchief- to light the traditional oil lamp.
The building comprises of a public library, a pre school and an auditorium.
Addressing the gathering in the building’s auditorium, the former Chairman Ananda Ganepola pointed out that the building was “constructed in the era of Mahinda Rajapaksa”. He added that the foundation stone was placed in 2014 and completed by 2015.
“The Yahapalanaya government did not open it for two years. We do not care if they open it, but the electorate organiser of the SLFP should be here. Where is he? He was not invited”, said Ananda Ganepola
The inevitable…
A tense situation arose when the Chief Opposition Whip of the Western Provincial Council, George Perera arrived at the scene. Nevertheless, shortly afterwards, the group including George Perera and the former chairman, re-entered the premises to the sound of drums.
Both factions also partook in a tea party organised parallel to the opening ceremony.
The former local government representatives had recently obtained membership of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, led by former Minister Prof. G.L Peiris.
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