The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the actions taken regarding the Northern Provincial Local Government Councils are not directed at any individual, political party, or local government council. He stressed that the sole purpose of these actions is to safeguard the trust placed in him by the people and to uphold their confidence in the administration. He further emphasized that the responsibility of a good administrator is not always to seek praise, but to take difficult decisions when necessary to ensure the long-term benefit and well-being of the people.
A training programme on the “Role and Responsibilities of Local Governments in the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights,” jointly organized by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Northern Provincial Department of Local Government, was held today – on Thursday 13 August 2026, at the Auditorium of the Northern Provincial Chief Secretary’s Secretariat in Kaithady. The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province delivered the opening remarks at the event.
The Hon. Governor pointed out that, in many cases, local government councils serve as the people’s first point of contact with the government, and therefore, their experience with the services and operations of these councils directly influences their trust and confidence in the government.
The Governor stated that every right carries a corresponding duty, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the administration to protect the rights of the people and that the exercise of power must always be accompanied by a duty to use it fairly and responsibly. He noted that when local governments discharge their responsibilities honestly and effectively, human rights are not merely an abstract principle but are reflected in the daily services provided to the public. He further emphasized that proper waste disposal, access to clean drinking water, safe streets, orderly urban development, environmental protection, and equitable governance are all practical manifestations of human rights.
The Governor emphasized that democracy is not merely the freedom to do whatever one wishes, but also the responsibility to serve the people within the framework of the law. He stated that freedom of expression should not be understood as the freedom to make irresponsible statements, but that the highest form of democratic culture lies in expressing the truth responsibly. He further noted that while differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, there should be no compromise on the law or on the welfare and interests of the people.
The Governor stated that, over the past few months, he has continuously emphasized the need for local government councils to properly adhere to the law and established procedures. He stressed that this is not an attempt to control or restrict anyone, but rather a step towards strengthening the value and effectiveness of the powers vested in local government councils. He further pointed out that power is not a privilege to be exercised without accountability, but a public responsibility entrusted to elected representatives through the trust of the people.
Citing the process of issuing occupancy certificates as an example, the Governor stated that such certificates are not merely routine administrative documents, but represent a public trust by confirming that buildings are legally approved, safe, and fit for public use. He noted that the revenue that local government authorities are entitled to receive is also affected when commercial establishments operate without the required certificates. He further pointed out that non-compliance with urban planning regulations and inadequate parking facilities contribute to traffic congestion and adversely affect the safety and free movement of the public.
The Governor stated that the responsibility for implementing and enforcing the law rests with local government councils and urged officials to ensure that the law is applied equally to all, without yielding to political pressure or personal influence. He called on officials to be guided by the law in carrying out their duties. At the same time, he assured them of his continued full support for development projects implemented in accordance with the law and for efforts to increase the sustainable revenue of local government councils.
Emphasizing that the welfare of the people should remain at the heart of local government administration, the Governor stated that the success of a local government should not be measured by the number of buildings it constructs or the amount of money it spends, but by the positive impact and meaningful changes it brings to the lives of ordinary citizens. He emphasized that the people have not merely entrusted local government representatives with power, but with responsibility; nor have they simply given them positions, but their trust. He stressed that protecting and upholding that trust is the highest duty of everyone in public service.
The training programme was attended by Hon. Mayors, Hon. Deputy Mayors, Hon. Chairmen, Hon. Vice Chairmen, Commissioners, Secretaries, and officers representing local government authorities across the Northern Province.
Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Nimal G. Punchihewa, Director of International Affairs K. Kabilan Villavarajan, Jaffna Regional Coordinator of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka T. Kanagaraj and Director of Investigation Lal Weerasinghe participated as resource persons and conducted the training sessions.
