Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarian S. M. Marikkar has rejected accusations from a private television network regarding his track record, citing his past development projects across the capital to defend his performance.
The opposition MP for the Colombo District addressed media claims questioning his achievements in Parliament while responding to critics during a press conference in Colombo.
The controversy follows statements from Marikkar accusing the Colombo Municipal Council and the NPP government of failing to maintain city drainage systems during recent heavy rainfall.
Addressing broadcaster critiques over his legislative record, the parliamentarian outlined key infrastructure projects undertaken between 2015 and 2019, including post 2016 flood prevention schemes, new pumping stations, and over 700 access roads in Kolonnawa and Wellampitiya.
He highlighted that his public advocacy dates back to 2011, when he protested on the streets against the relocation of the main garbage dump to Kolonnawa under former Urban Development Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, despite serving within the governing alliance at the time.
He noted that meteorological officials independently confirmed that uncleaned drains were the primary factor behind the recent urban flooding, validating his original criticism of municipal maintenance failures.
Emphasising that he was elected directly by Colombo voters rather than appointed via the national list, he asserted that three consecutive parliamentary terms reflect public confidence in his stance against administrative mismanagement.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to defend the interests of Colombo residents and maintain oversight of urban governance.
