A special discussion with the Hon. Mayors and Chairmen of the Local Authorities in the Northern Province was held under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, with the participation of the Hon. Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. H.M.H. Abhayarathna, and the Hon. Deputy Minister, P. Ruwan Senarath, at the Office of the Local Government Commissioner, Northern Province today, Wednesday evening (27.08.2025).
Acting Chief Secretary Mrs. Ezhilarasi Anton Yoganayagam welcomed the participants to the discussion. This was followed by a briefing from the Northern Provincial Local Government Commissioner, Mrs. Devanandini Babu, on the needs of the local government councils.
Afterwards, the chairmen of the local authorities shared their views on the needs and challenges faced by their sabhas. They raised concerns on a range of issues, including approval for buildings, vehicles and heavy vehicles, and the installation of streetlights. It was also highlighted that while the Urban Development Authority follows a particular procedure in other provinces of Sri Lanka, a different approach is being applied in the Northern Province. The chairmen further requested that pradeshiya sabhyas be informed in advance when development works, such as road construction, are undertaken within their jurisdiction. They also emphasized that certain activities are being implemented in ways that undermine the powers of the Pradeshiya Sabhas.
The chairmen of the sabhas also stressed the need for flexibility regarding the payment of salaries from the income of the sabhas.
Following this, the Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. H.M.H. Abhayarathna, together with the Hon. Deputy Minister, Ruwan Senarath, responded and shared their remarks. They emphasized that the ultimate expectation is the development of the people and urged all to work towards it with dedication. They also expressed their appreciation for the services being provided despite numerous challenges. The ministers assured that the needs and demands of local authorities across Sri Lanka are similar and will be addressed gradually. They further stated that steps will be taken in the future to resolve at least half of the issues raised during the discussion.
Hon. Mayors, Hon. Chairmen, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government of the Northern Province, Deputy Chief Secretaries, and Secretaries of local authorities participated in this discussion.
