Minuwangoda SLFP local councillors reject new organiser

By Chamodi Gunawardana

Several Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) local councillors in the Minuwangoda Urban Council have refused to accept the newly appointed organiser Ruwan Ranatunga. 

President Maithripala Sirisena appointed Ruwan for the position of Minuwangoda SLFP organiser by removing past organiser and former Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. 

Holding a media briefing local councillors of the Minuwangoda, Dompe and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabhas said they still treat Prasanna Ranatunga as their district organiser. They also refused to cooperatewith the new organiser. 

Prasanna Ranatunga was appointed as the Minuwangoda District organiser in 2006 and thereafter the seat has scored higher votes in all the past elections. Ruwan Ranatunga, the new organiser in Minuwangoda was defeated in the last general election.

Meanwhile, Dilum Amunugama who was removed from Senkadagala district organiser position said the formation of new political party by SLFP members would not halt due to the decision President Sirisena took to sack some organisers. 

He said the Joint Opposition will continue its politics to defeat the United National Party (UNP) led Government. 

Monday President Sirisena removed several districts organisers from their positions including Ranatunga, Amunugama, Maharagama Mayor Kanthi Kodikara, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Mayor Danasiri Amaratunge, and Kolonnawa organiser Duminda Silva. 

Ruwan Ranatunga, Provincial Councillor Thilina Thennakoon, Western Province Chief Minister Isuru Devapriya, Lawyer Keerthi Udawatta and Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Prasanna Solangaarachchi had been appointed for those vacant positions.