He further said that there will be opportunity in future for voters to select their Local Government Ministers under the new ward system.

He made these observations, speaking at the opening of the Rajitha Senaratne Playground and the new sub-office of the Beruwela Pradeshiya Sabha in Payagala yesterday (12).

The President said that the local bodies whose terms would lapse in May 15 would be placed under special commissioners, according to the Local Government Act and he said that he intended to appoint as special commissioners, officers who are presently working as Secretaries at Local Authorities.

“It is the nature of the act and it is not a decision of the President to hold the Local Government Polls”, President Sirisena added.

He further said that today, there is freedom for the people to act freely today and, similarly Ministers and Public Servants also can work independently.

Subsequent to the opening of the Rajitha Senaratne Playground the President symbolically distributed sports equipment to Sports Organizations in the District.

Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, the Beruwala PS Chairman Kushman de Silva and other dignitaries participated in the event.