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Moratuwa Municipal Council :
Poverty allevation to be given top priority - Samanlal Fernando
By Dhaneshi YATAWARA
 Moratuwa Municipal Council former Mayor Samanlal Fernando, with his
25 years of political experience confident of the UPFA's victory says
that dedication is essential to extend a better service to the people.
In an interview with the Sunday Observer he highlighted that poverty
alleviation is a crucial factor in his locality. Following are excerpts
of the interview:
Q: What is your strategy in conducting your election campaign?
A: We always promoted meeting people face-to-face and
discussing their problems at their doorstep. It helps us to understand
ground realities, rather than meeting a large group of people. So from
the very first day, we carried our door-to-door campaign, met people and
had discussions from dawn to dusk. It is the best method to understand
the people's wants. Following the door-to-door visits every evening, we
meet groups of people at village level too.
Q: What about the competition?
A: As far as I am concerned, I have no competition. The People
of Moratuwa know what I did during my tenure and how practical the
solutions were. We as the UPFA team in the Municipal Council can be
proud of all the steps we have taken to upgrade the lives of residents
in Moratuwa.
Not just in the past I will continue to serve the people in my humble
way as I did in the past. In my tenure the Moratuwa MC became the best
Municipal Council in the Colombo District in 2008 and 2009.
Q: What are your proposals to develop Moratuwa?
A: There are a few areas that need to be addressed in this
locality.
Garbage disposal is a crucial factor which needs an organised
solution. During my tenure the Municipal Council planned setting up
facilities for generating bio gas and compost using garbage.
There are a few more steps to complete and it will be done if we are
elected. We need to support traditional craftsmen of the area.
I represent this community as I am born and bred here. There are so
many carpenters and craftsmen who need support to develop their
industry. On the other hand, to develop the fishing industry we are
discussing with the Ministry of Fisheries.
Temporary shelters people have built as their homes in this area need
to be turned into permanent houses.
Through personal contacts I will get the monetary and technical
support of the developed countries for this program.
I will get the support of international organisations that support
developing the living standards of people living in such conditions. The
completed Lunawa Lagoon development program has many benefits. Today the
area does not get flooded due to the slightest rain. A similar project
was started in Weresgama and it will be completed if I am elected.
Q: What is your pledge to the people?
A: I will continue to serve them and as a leader with a proper
vision and dedication to make the people happy to live in Moratuwa.
People's involvement vital for development - Chandranath Fernando
 The United National Party Candidate for the local Government Election
from the Moratuwa area, Dhammika Chandranath Fernando, Moratuwa UNP
Leader, highlights the importance of a transparent administration in the
Moratuwa Municipal Council. "Above all I believe that people will vote
in a fair manner", Fernando said speaking to the Sunday Observer.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
Q: How is the present election campaign going?
A: We focus on meeting people directly and discussing their
problems to bring a sustainable solution.
Q: What is the response from the people?
A: So far it has been fine. I hope people will be more open in
expressing their views.
I strongly believe people will vote in a just and fair manner.
Q: What needs to be done to develop the Municipal Council?
A: Before I became the Opposition leader of the Moratuwa
Municipal Council I served as Deputy Mayor as well. When the SLFP won
the MC there was a monetary deposit of Rs. 2 million. Today the entire
Municipal Council is indebted by loans. Corruption needs to be curbed
giving priority to services people need.
Q: What are your suggestions?
A: More people's involvement is needed to carry out
development activities. If we give prominence to people's needs the
community will participate in development activities. All activities
need to be transparent.
Q: What do you propose for development work for Moratuwa?
A: Garbage disposal is the biggest problem for the people of
Moratuwa. There should be an organised system. Garbage should be bought
from the people and distributed to relevant industries to use in
production. Community halls, and libraries need to be re-constructed
making them available for the betterment of the people.
Q: What is your pledge to the people ?
A: I will deliver a 100 percent transparent service to the
people with their compulsory participation.
I need the people to be with the development of the area.
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