Uvais Mohamed Imitiyas[1] was the Mayor of Colombo from 2006 to 2011. Imtiyas was an Auto rickshaw driver from an impoverished background who contested local government elections on an independent ticket.[2] At that stage he had no realistic chance of being elected. However, technical electoral issues (proposing an underage candidate in the list) meant that the UNP candidates led by Sirisena Cooray could not contest the election. An agreement was reached to use the symbol of Imitiyas's group on the condition that he would renounce the seat if elected, allowing the UNP to appoint a mayor of their own choice. UNP led by Cooray campaigned for the independent group and they won under the spectacles symbol, but Imitiyas reneged on the agreement and remained in office, joining the ruling UPFA and did not stand for re-election.[3]
Uvais Mohamed Imitiyas | |
---|---|
Mayor of Colombo | |
In office 2 June 2006 – 2010 | |
Preceded by | Prasanna Gunawardena |
Succeeded by | A. J. M. Muzammil |
Personal details | |
Nationality | Sri Lankan |
Political party | Independent |
Occupation | Politician |
References
edit- ^ The Mayor of Colombo, Colombo Municipal Council
- ^ Rotational mayors as Colombo gets trishaw driver as her 1st citizen, Sunday Times, May 28, 2006
- ^ 2006 winners of Colombo Municipal Council election to support ruling alliance this time
External links
edit- Mayor Imitiyas facing one-man commission of inquiry in July 2007
- Past Mayors of Colombo (official site)
- Ex-mayor-now-a-chauffeur
- Colombo MC Jewel In The Crown, Kandy, Dehiwela – Mt Lavinia Close Behind