A tense political battle is unfolding at the Colombo Municipal Council as opposition MPs allege secret maneuvers, inducements, and pressure tactics ahead of a crucial budget vote that could decide the city’s financial direction.
The ruling National People’s Power party is facing serious allegations that it is attempting to prevent opposition members from attending the Colombo Municipal Council session scheduled for Wednesday, when the city’s budget is to be presented for the second time. Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mujibur Rahman claims that the ruling party is quietly working to ensure the budget is passed by encouraging opposition MPs to boycott the session.
According to Mujibur Rahman, there is what he described as an “invisible hand” operating behind the scenes to block certain opposition members from attending the council meeting. He stated that his party is taking necessary steps to counter these efforts and ensure full opposition participation in the session.
Adding to the controversy, Colombo Municipal Council opposition MP Roy Bogahawatte also criticized the ruling party, accusing it of hypocrisy. He pointed out that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had previously taken a strong stand against political crossovers while in opposition. However, Bogahawatte alleged that the ruling party itself secured the backing of opposition members when appointing the current Mayor, Vrai Kelly Balthasar.
These allegations were firmly rejected by Deputy Mayor Hemantha Weerakoon. Responding to the claims, he stated that accusations of financial inducements being offered to opposition MPs are completely false. He argued that the opposition is deliberately spreading misinformation to obstruct the passage of what he described as a concessional and people-friendly budget.
“The allegations that money is being given to opposition MPs are completely false. They are trying to sabotage this concessional budget,” the Deputy Mayor emphasized.
As the Colombo Municipal Council budget vote approaches, political tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of unethical conduct. The outcome of the session is expected to have significant implications for governance, transparency, and public trust in local government decision-making in Colombo.
