NCP ex-CM throws blame back at Opposition

Former Chief Minister, North Central Province Berty Premlal Dissanayake, attributed the dissolution of the Council to criticism levelled by the Opposition against bureaucrats engaged in development activities and the undue influence brought on these officials, a press conference yesterday.

"The Opposition has charged that due to the dissolution, a large sum of money due for development activities has been denied to the Council. But when we sought approval for development activities, the UNP and JVP failed to cooperate and as a result, we were denied these funds. When a new Council is formed within the next two months, we would get these funds and use it for development activities."

Dissanayake said that 60,000 acres of land has been reserved for maize cultivation and similar development activities planned. He predicts that the same party would win the Council once again and he would be Chief Minister again. He promised a fair and free election.