I’ll make Kesbewa UC, a model for W P – Chairman Lakshman Perera

By Uditha KUMARASINGHE

The newly elected chairman of Kesbewa Urban Council, Lakshman Perera thanked voters of Kesbewa for the confidence they had reposed in the UPFA Government by extending their support to win after a lapse of over 10 years. Perera who polled the highest number of preferential votes assumed office as chairman of the Kesbewa Urban Council last Thursday.

He said his aim was to implement a proper development program through good governance, irrespective of political differences. He said he would give priority to health and garbage problems in the area. The newly elected chairman said during his tenure he would try his best to make the Kesbewa Urban Council, the best local government body in the Western Province.

Q: How do you look back and account for your victory?

A: It’s a resounding victory achieved by the UPFA after a lapse of over 10 years by winning the Kesbewa Urban Council. The voters of Kesbewa have also reposed their confidence in me by casting the highest number of preferential votes in the UPFA list. The development of the Kesbewa electorate has been stagnating over the past several years. Therefore, voters have decided to vote the UPFA to power.

The victory also indicates that the people have fully endorsed the initiatives taken under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to eradicate terrorism and launch mega development projects throughout the country.

Q: Now that you have defeated the UNP stronghold at Kesbewa, do you have any fresh plans for the betterment of ratepayers?

A: I launched my election campaign with the aim of adding value to the vote of the people. It was the ordinary people in the area who voted for the UPFA and me personally, with a fresh hope that the UPFA led council will develop the area. I hold of the view that we should upgrade the standard of politics which has deteriorated within the Kesbewa electorate. The people have given us the power to create a new political culture which would expedite the development in the area.

As the new chairman of the council, I will give priority for health and garbage issues in the area. If the Urban Council does not have adequate resources to address these issues, steps would be taken to channel more resources with the help of the Central Government. I will also urge the people to minimise the accumulation of garbage in their houses and help solve the garbage problem. My intention is to implement a proper development program on the principle of good governance. Initiatives will be taken to concrete or tar the rest of the roads within the Urban Council area.

Q: I think you have to be more dynamic in your approach to the problems of the people. What have you got to say about this?

A: I have nearly 20 years of political experience. I have also gained a lot of experience as a businessman. Therefore, I will make use of my experience to conduct the activities of the Council in a more efficient and productive manner. I have reached this position from grass roots level.

I shall perform my duties with the help of the experience I have gained over the past so many years. I came to know that the Urban Council is being run on an overdraft and even some contractors have not been paid for various jobs carried out by them. Excepting for the revenue collected from stamp duty, the Urban Council does not have any other major source of revenue. I hope to discuss with the Provincial Council Ministry about the current crisis and obtain ADB funds to finance the proposed development projects of the council.

I will also have discussions with all council members because my intention is to ensure unity of all council members irrespective of political differences.

Q: Irrespective of politics people still have a high regard for your predecessor for his dedication to his job. He has never accepted a salary and also used his own vehicle for official purposes. That he secured over 30,000 votes this time bears testimony to this. Would you like to comment on this?

A: He must have set an example by doing so. But I don’t accept the fact that he has not drawn his salary. I don’t know whether he has used the official vehicle or not. I will also transfer my salary to the Lakshman Perera Foundation. I have been running this foundation over the past so many years to assist, deserving people in the area and I also hope to assist those in need of urgent medical assistance.

Q: Are you going to muster his support in implementing your own policies?

A: Definitely, I will seek the support of all council members to administer the council irrespective of their different political affiliations. The cooperation of all members is vital to conduct activities of the council efficiently. It is not important whether one is a member of the UPFA or UNP or JVP.

Q: The Kesbewa electorate remained a UPFA bastion throughout despite the UNP running the local body undefeated. How are you going to explain this?

A: When the UNP came to power in 2002, the Local Government Election was postponed. The UNP was able to grab power of the then Kesbewa Pradeshiya Sabha due to the then prevailing atmosphere. Labour Minister Gamini Lokuge who was the UNP organiser is also the present UPFA Chief Organiser for the Kesbewa electorate. His guidance and political experience also immensely helped us in our victory. In future, I will visit each and every village in the electorate and have direct discussions with the people to provide immediate solutions to their problems.

Q: Dengue is taking a heavy toll specially in an around Colombo. Is your Local Body sufficiently armed to combat this menace?

A: The public cooperation is essential to combact Dengue. The people should always keep their houses and gardens clean and prevent these areas from becoming Dengue breeding grounds. The Urban Council in association with various government organisations will educate the public on the ways and means to combat dengue.

I also hope to implement a special program with the participation of school children. I hope to transform the Kesbewa Urban Council into the best local government body in the Western Province.