It has been decided that, starting from 01.01.2026, the use of lunch sheets will be banned across the Northern Province. Instead, the use of banana leaves and boiling food trays can be adopted. Local authorities that have not yet passed resolutions in this regard are required to do so. This decision was made during a discussion held under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, with the Hon. Mayors and Chairmen of local authorities in the Northern Province.
The discussion between the mayors of municipal councils, chairmen of urban councils, and chairmen of pradeshiya sabhas in the Northern Province and the Governor took place at the Governor’s Secretariat on Tuesday, 07.10.2025.
Speaking at the beginning of the discussion, the Governor emphasized the need to bring about changes in the mindset of those working in pradeshiya sabhas. He noted that people have pointed out delays in obtaining various permits, urging that services to the public must be provided promptly. Development is achievable only through the united efforts of chairmen and secretaries.
Solid waste management remains a challenge for local authorities. Due to the lack of proper operation of waste sorting facilities, people are expressing opposition. Therefore, councils must pay greater attention to this issue.
To control traffic congestion, measures such as introducing one-way roads and imposing time restrictions on the use of heavy vehicles should be implemented. Police cooperation will be secured for local authorities in this regard.
Before the upcoming rainy season, all canals and drainage systems under the councils’ jurisdiction must be cleaned. Some councils have already taken action in line with the instructions provided, and others must follow suit. Additionally, immediate steps should be taken to remove illegal constructions that obstruct floodwater drainage.
Obtaining occupancy certificates for buildings must be made mandatory, and local authorities should initiate action against those who fail to comply. Furthermore, many shops owned by local authorities have not had their licenses transferred for a long time. A swift mechanism must be developed to address this issue.
Local authorities should attract investors, including those in tourism. Delays in obtaining permits cause investors to turn away, so councils must work to increase their revenue by attracting investors. If councils submit resolutions for granting long-term leases to investors, approvals can be provided accordingly.
Similarly, local authoriteis must pay attention to private educational institutions. Many such institutions, where thousands of students’ study, lack proper sanitary facilities. Public health inspectors should monitor and take action against such institutions.
To increase revenue, councils should urgently complete long-overdue property tax reviews. Mobile services conducted by councils have been well-received by the public and should be continued. Councils must properly demarcate and beautify cemetery boundaries within their jurisdiction and promote tree planting in their areas, collaborating with willing organizations.
Parking facilities must be regulated, and uniform attire should be introduced for those issuing parking receipts, the Governor noted.
Chairmen raised concerns about issues related to leasing butcher shops in the Northern Province, pointing out that artificially high rates are set during bidding, leading to increased meat prices. They requested province-wide regulation, to which the Governor responded that the matter would be addressed in consultation with the Northern Province Department of Animal Production and Health.
The issue of agricultural waste in markets was discussed, along with implementation challenges. The introduction of digital price boards to display market prices and eliminate intermediaries was also discussed. Chairmen expressed readiness to implement the Governor’s decisions on market waste management and requested police cooperation in certain areas. The Governor assured that necessary arrangements would be made.
During the discussion, the International Water Management Institute provided insights on water management responsibilities for local authorities, particularly regarding the establishment of tube wells for commercial and agricultural purposes and their future regulation.
A team led by the Northern Regional Director of the Urban Development Authority explained legal provisions. It was noted that while a national preliminary planning approval process exists, a different procedure is followed in the Northern Province. The Urban Development Authority expressed readiness to adopt the national procedure in the future.
Chairmen requested the Governor to ensure that road development projects owned by local authorities are carried out in accordance with council resolutions. The Governor stated that this would be discussed with district secretaries.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, and the Northern Province Local Government Commissioner.
