With weather forecasts indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall within a short period leading to flooding, Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan of the Northern Province stressed that all local government authorities in the Northern Province must remain fully prepared with human resources, funds, vehicles, and emergency equipment to face such situations.
He made these remarks while chairing the progress review meeting today – on Tuesday (11 August 2026) at the Governor’s Secretariat, covering the Northern Province Ministries of Finance and Planning, Law and Order, Land, Power, Housing and Construction, Tourism, Local Government, Provincial Administration, Rural Development, Road Development, Motor Traffic, and Transport.
The meeting discussed in detail the operations of local government authorities, including progress on the stray dog sterilization programme and measures to control plastic usage. The Governor noted that while progress has been made in controlling plastic usage, further strengthening of these efforts is needed. Accordingly, the Local Government Commissioner stated that stricter enforcement procedures will be adopted from the beginning of 2027.
It was also reported that steps are being taken through local government authorities to desilt tanks belonging to the Irrigation Department in the Valikamam South and Valikamam North areas, as informed to the Governor by the Local Government Commissioner.
The meeting was told that difficulties have arisen in issuing certificates of conformity due to discrepancies between plans submitted for building approval and structures actually constructed, and that local government bodies have initiated court proceedings against constructions built in violation of building approvals.
Since there is a possibility of increased impact from the northeast monsoon from the first week of October, local government authorities have already been instructed to take all precautions necessary for disaster risk management. The Local Government Commissioner noted that instructions have also been issued to keep the necessary funding allocations, vehicles, machinery, and equipment ready for emergencies.
With funds having been allocated under the “Praja Shakthi” programme for rebuilding provincial council-owned roads and buildings, the Governor directed officials to coordinate and implement these projects in a way that ensures the same work is not duplicated under other funding sources.
Following this, progress on housing schemes and other development projects being implemented under the Provincial Ministry of Local Government was reviewed. Officials reported satisfactory progress on the Phase II housing project, the Ditwah rebuilding project, and programmes being carried out through allocations from the Line Ministry and District Secretariats. At the same time, Assistant Commissioners of Local Government pointed out that local government bodies are undertaking development work beyond their technical capacity.
The Governor emphasized that clear instructions must be given to officials to treat members of the public visiting local government bodies for services with dignity and respect, noting that he has received numerous complaints on this matter.
In discussions on the operations of the Road Development Department, difficulties in procuring tar required for road works and cases of certain contract-appointed individuals failing to fulfil their duties were examined, and officials were advised on remedial measures.
Progress in the activities of the Department of Rural Development, the Northern Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, the Northern Province Tourism Development Authority, and the Department of Motor Traffic was also reviewed in detail.
As the current period is a peak season for domestic and foreign tourist arrivals to the Northern Province, the Governor instructed local government bodies to pay greater attention to ensuring the cleanliness of tourist sites within their jurisdictions. He also directed that CCTV footage of incidents of public littering be forwarded promptly to the relevant police stations to expedite legal action.
It was further reported that, in line with guidelines issued by the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force operating under the Presidential Secretariat, an integrated waste management project for the Northern Province is currently being prepared.
The discussion was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Local Government, Deputy Chief Secretaries (Finance, Administration, Planning and Engineering Services), the Commissioner of Local Government of the Northern Province, the Director of Planning, Municipal Commissioners, Secretaries of Urban Councils, Provincial Directors, Engineers, Secretaries of Pradeshiya Sabhas and other officials.
