UNP calls for ‘Colombo FM’ channel to be launched

A proposal to launch a radio station for the benefit of the residents of Colombo and to reveal corruption within the city has been forwarded to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

The proposal made by UNP member, Ariyaratne Santiago, if passed would be implemented in time for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in November.

Santiago suggested the radio channel ‘Colombo FM’ to communicate activities undertaken by the CMC. “It is important that the general public be informed about the activities undertaken by the municipal council members through electronic media in addition to the print media,” he said.

He also said that educational, economical and cultural development policies of the council could be revealed to the general public through the radio station.

UNP member, Dushantha Malagoda said ‘Colombo FM’ was important in exposing the corruption that took place in political and social sectors of the city. He said that making the general public aware of corruption in the city was a successful method of preventing corrupt behaviour.

“Sri Lanka’s economic development is in the hands of the tourism industry”, he said, referring to Mr. Satiago’s proposal. He suggested prostitution be legalised to go hand in hand with the expanding tourism and economy.

In response, the Mayor said Sri Lanka was a disciplined country and he wouldn’t take any measure to legalise prostitution. Referring to ‘Colombo FM’, a member of the UPFA (United People’s Freedom Alliance), Kapu Geekiyanage Kulathissa said the project, if implemented, could ensure the harmony of the nation.