Political Turmoil Erupts in Panwila Local Authority Over Budget Proposal

A significant incident has arisen within the Panwila Pradeshiya Sabha, controlled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), as an official letter urging to reject the upcoming budget was dispatched bearing the signature of the party's General Secretary, Ranjith Maduma Bandara.

This directive has plunged the local council into a state of confusion and discontent, particularly affecting the Chairman and the SJB council members who are grappling with the unexpected order.

Members of the council have expressed their profound dissatisfaction, highlighting a lack of coherent understanding regarding the governance of the provincial authority they represent, which is led by their own party.

In a response to inquiries regarding this chaotic situation, Chairman Anura Perera confirmed his shock upon reading the letter from the General Secretary.

He added that both party leader Sajith Premadasa and General Secretary Ranjith Maduma Bandara were immediately contacted for clarification, where they acknowledged the situation as a critical "error" attributed to the letter’s author.

According to official results from the recent provincial council elections, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya secured six seats in the Panwila Pradeshiya Sabha. The National People's Power won five seats, while the Lanka Workers' Congress bagged two. The United People's Freedom Alliance, Sri Lanka People's Front, and Sarva Jana Balawegaya each claimed one seat.