The JVP yesterday challenged the government to dissolve the Tissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha and win it at a fresh election, if possible.

JVP Parliamentary Group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing a press conference at the party head office in Battaramulla, condemned the government for sealing the JVP-controlled Pradeshiya Sabha on January 28.

A gazette notification issued by the Southern Province Chief Minister had removed the council chairman, he said adding that the JVP had won the council in 2002 and again in 2006 because the people of the area had reposed their trust in the JVP councillors.

Former council chairman H. L. Jayasiri alleged the government had sealed the council following what he termed a high-handed act by a powerful minister, who is also a brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Jayasiri said that after he had left the Pradeshiya Sabha office on January 28, some people identifying themselves as supporters of a powerful minister representing the Hambantota electorate had arrived there and threatened to take control of the council by force.

"They demanded that all office keys be handed over to the police," he said.

Deputy chairman S. R. Weerakoon said there were seven JVP members in the PS and they worked as a single entity and demanded that the former Chairman be reinstated.

Hambantota District JVP MP Nihal Galappaththi and Tissamaharama PS member Kumudu Wijeweera also attended the press conference.