Party sources said Mayor-elect A. J. M. Muzammil had already written to the Municipal Commissioner objecting to the creation of the opposition leader’s post in the council stating the Municipal Ordinance does not provide provision for such a post.

UPFA Mayoral candidate, Milinda Moragoda and other elected members of the UPFA including M. Manzil, Mohamed Mahroof were present at the occasion. Azath Sally who is also an elected member of the council had been a notable absentee.

The sources said Mayors who ruled the council in the past have decided against providing an office for the opposition leader as it was a violation of the ordinance.

Former Mayors Prasanna Gunawardane and Mohamed U. Emitiyaz have both objected to the setting up of such offices during their tenures when a request was made by the then opposition parties to set up an office for the opposition leader.

Meanwhile Daily Mirror also learns the appointment letters are to be handed over to the new recruits before the new Mayor takes over.

It was reported that Governor, Western Province Alavi Moulana had directed the Municipal Commissioner to halt the recruitment drive after perceiving that it was not proper to make any recruitments before the new Mayor takes over the council. He is expected to assume duties today.

It had been alleged by the CMC sources that interviews for the recruitments have been carried out despite the governor’s orders.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka