Kotte MC election:

Welfare activities for low income families

By L.S Ananda WEDAARACHCHCI

I had been a member in the Kotte Municipal Council for the past 26 years. A number of development projects was implemented to the benefit of the ratepayers, said Kotte Municipal Council election - UPFA candidate J.M. Somadasa in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: You were a municipal ward member continuously for 26 years. Can you give an account of the projects implemented by you for the benefit of the ratepayers.

A: I am satisfied with what I had done for Kotte people as Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Opposition Leader and a Councillor during the past 26 years.

That is why my voters have stood by me since 1985 to say the least.

I have provided tap water to the families in Velupulle Watta, Rajagiriya. Earlier they had to walk a long distance to collect water.

I took a keen interest in children’s welfare and setup childrens parks in Welikada, Rajagiriya and Nugegoda which have become popular attractions.

Apart from providing free school books and stationery to schoolchildren, I took an initiative in setting up libraries, montessori schools, health centres and similar facilities to ensure the well-being of ratepayers.

Q: You had setup new departments in the M.C. too during your mayoralty. Can you explain what such projects are?

A: Setting up of a Fire Brigade in Kotte is one of my initiatives. Earlier the Kotte residents had to obtain fire certificates from the Colombo Municipal Council.

A systematic program to recycle the garbage with the assistance of Ministry of Environment was introduced by me. The Japanese Government donated five Gulli bowsers to be used for garbage disposal.

The Kotte Municipal Council area is one of the densely populated areas in the country.

It is vital to have a systematic garbage disposal system to promote the public health. Most of the roads have been concreted.

The electricity supply was extended.

I also kept a vigilant eye on the transparency of the Council’s financial transactions.

No allegations of malpractices or misuse of MC funds made during my period. Sometime ago when a leading opposition politician wanted to give valuable municipal lands and some public playgrounds over to foreign companies and multimillionaire businessmen.

I opposed the move on behalf of the ratepayers.

Q: Fast developing towns such as Nugegoda, Nawala, Rajagiriya and Kotte come under the Kotte MC.

The population of the area increased sharply due to the exodus of people from rural areas to Colombo and Jayawardenapura. Do you have any blueprint to develop those satellite towns?

A: An efficient, transparent and people-friendly administration is the wish of the people. I have proved by my past records that efficient, transparent-people-friendly era can be established through my long political experiences. The vats and taxes should not be increased. I have in mind to launch a series of welfare activities such as financial assistance for low income groups, elders and death donations for law income groups.A program to upgrade Pitakotte, Delkanda, Obeysekerapura, Nawala towns and an urban housing schemes for the shanty dwellers are my priorities.

The flood control program, city beautification project and Diyawanna Oya development project have largely benefited all segments of the society.

Q: One of the key issues facing Kotte MC is the constant traffic congestion. Any future plans to address this issue?

A: The traffic congestion at Welikada junction is a very old problem.

It has eased for a great extent now since the road has been broadened.

We held discussions with the UDA to expand the Nawala Rajagiriya road at Welikada junction to the size of the main road.

The UDA has completed the surveying part of the project. The work is to begin shortly.

UDA is also making preparations to expand Borella Rajagiriya old road, the route which most the buses passing the Welikada area take. This is another place that creates huge traffic jams during the rush hours.

Once the project is completed the road will be broadened by about 5 feet.

These two projects will help ease the traffic congestion in the Kotte MC area. The UDA completed surveying so as to demarcate the area that will be acquired for the road expansion two months ago.

Q: The Kotte MC too has to listen to the wants and grievances of different communities living in the area of jurisdiction. Would you like to comment?

A: Justice and fairplay is the key to a peaceful and harmonious society. The Kotte MC too has to mould its policies on such lines.