Health and congestion, trouble former medical chief

Clean, serviced housing is a priority for Colombo, says former CMC Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam, representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramauna (SLPP) in contesting a councillorship in the Havelock Town ward.

Dr. Kariyawasam, who is standing for election for the second time, says his 26- year service in the CMC, particularly his 14 years as head of the council’s medical services, gives him an understanding of the needs and methods of public service.

Colombo needs proper housing, sanitary facilities and drainage systems for people living in under- serviced settlements, he said.

Given its congestion, Colombo should build high-rise housing projects, funded by letting out the ground floors for commercial activities, to help the under-privileged.

More houses should also be provided with water and sanitation.

“As a medical doctor, I strongly emphasise a strong disease control system and proper garbage collection as Colombo is the country’s economic hub,” Dr. Kariyawasam said.

The daily transit of large numbers of people through the city contributes to the risk of the spread of diseases, he emhasised.

Dr. Kariyawasam wants to restart house-to-house inspections to tackle dengue.

He also plans to deploy a permanent team of CMC officials as well as nominated residents of the area to inspect specified areas of health risk.

Dr. Kariyawasam wants multi- storied public parking houses to be built to reduce traffic congestion, as well as an improved CMC- controlled bus service within the city.

The SLPP is not putting forward a mayoral candidate for the CMC elections.