The inaugural meeting of the Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha ended in chaos last Friday, when North Western Province Commissioner of Local Government, H. M. Sanjeewani Herath, adjourned the session citing a lack of quorum.
The meeting, convened to appoint a new Chairman and Vice Chairman, was held in the Council’s main auditorium with the participation of 22 members — 10 from the NPP, six from the SJB, 02 each from the SLPP and the UPFA, and 01 each from the UNP and an independent group.
Proceedings began at 2:30 PM. An NPP member proposed S. J. M. Jayaratne as a candidate for the post of Chairman. The SJB and its allies proposed Marian Subhakaran’s name.
Disagreement erupted over the voting method. The NPP called for a secret ballot, while the Opposition demanded an open vote. Tensions escalated with members rising from their seats, shouting, and engaging in heated arguments for nearly 15 minutes.
K. Jagath Samantha Perera, an SLPP member opposed a secret ballot, walked out, followed by 12 other Opposition members who gathered outside the main entrance. Only the 10 NPP members remained in the hall, rendering the meeting inquorate.
Commissioner Herath subsequently announced that the election would be postponed indefinitely and rescheduled at a later date.
Outside the Sabha, members of both factions continued their verbal confrontations. Supporters from rival parties also gathered near the main gate. Arachchikattuwa Police were deployed to maintain order and prevent any unrest.
By Somaweera Gamlath 