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from A.W. Gunawardhana, Matara Central correspondent

We will frame our policies and programmes to uplift the town of Matara shedding political differences. Let us clasp our hands and pull together as a team to improve our city and utility services provided said, the first Mayor of Matara Municipal Council Nimal de Silva (UNP) when tabling the Budget of the council at a special meeting held on December 30 at the council chamber. All members of the council were present. Mayor Nimal de Silva presided.

According to the figures tabled revenue and expenditure are expected at Rs. 112,304,600 and Rs. 11,223,600 respectively surplus is Rs. 68,600.

Mayor de Silva said, it is our accepted policy that we will act impartially disregarding political ideologies followed by others. All of us though following different political faiths are very well known to each other.

Therefore, let us get together to serve the ratepayers in the best of ways within resources available to us.

Resources available to us are sufficient to meet our obligations but difficulties have arisen with regard to the collection of revenue due to us. Shortage of officers is one reason standing in our way. Assessment of rates for the year 2003 have been reduced.

I appeal to all ratepayers to settle arrears of rates as a gesture of goodwill towards our taking steps to reduce the rates.

I tender my apology to members of the media for our failure to invite them to be present on the occasion of delivering my maiden Budget speech. I appreciate the co-operation extended to us by the members of the media. We always appreciate constructive criticism from any quarter.

Leader of the opposition Chandrasiri Gajadheera said, revival of the educational system is the need of the day, because most of those involved in crimes are teenagers.

In the year 1970 too, most involved in the crimes were in the age group of 18-30. A development felt by the ratepayers is what is needed. We acted in the most cordial way during the year, passing - by in spite of our political differences.

MMC Sosinda Handunge (PA) said, Rs. 4 1/2 lakhs have been spent on renovations to the Municipal Commissioner's quarters; which is not a matter of priority, when the thoroughfares are in a bad state of disrepair. We must acquire a land for dumping solid waste in the town.

MMC S.M.W. Upul Nishantha (PA) said, when we went out of office at the last election we did our best to keep the town alive making even credit purchases for the upkeep of essential services.

Deputy Mayor Nandasena Sellahewa (UNP) said, we appreciate the criticism levelled against us by the opposition. We will march forward, correcting our shortcomings. I take this opportunity to appreciate the action followed by our Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to bring the LTTE to the conference table, war has ceased. Those who have made big profits out of arms deals have now been brought to light.

I. O. Sirisena (PA), Jaliya Jayawardhana (UNP), Jayath Nallaperuma (UNP), Piyasena Vinodahewa (UNP), J.K.S. Pathirana (JVP), P.H. Sunil (PA), Sunil Neela Kumara (UNP), Nihal Manamperi (UNP), M.N.M. Nabawi (UNP) and Roshel Dulshitha (UNP) also spoke.

The Budget was put to house, proposed and seconded by the ruling party and it was unanimously accepted.

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