Oct 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka Elections Secretariat has announced that a new Chairman had been appointed as the Chairman of Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha to replace the former Chairman who was accused of rape of a child.

Prasanga Indunil Jayaweera of ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has been appointed as Chairman of Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha.

The Elections Commissioner will gazette the appointment of the new Chairman next week.

The former chairman, Liyanage Sunil (48), who is suspected of sexually abusing a 14-year old girl at a lodge belonging to him in May of this year, is in remand custody following his surrender to the authorities over the crime.

The UPFA suspended his position as the head of the local council and his membership of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) as well.

The involvement of ruling party politicians in heinous crimes, especially in the Southern Province, has come under severe criticism from opposition political parties as well as from the public and the public uproar has forced the party to take stringent action against those politicians who are tarnishing the image of the party.