The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, has requested the Local Authorities to continue the measures being taken against illegal constructions and never stop for anyone.
The monthly discussion with the Secretaries of the Local Authorities was held at the Governor’s Secretariat today, Tuesday (22.07.2025).
In his opening remarks, the Governor pointed out that there has been progress in the activities of some Local Authorities. The Governor, who stressed that the Local Authorities should act keeping in mind that it is an institution for the public, urged them to do things such as the change of assessment tax and building permits as quickly as possible.
Following this, the Secretary to the Ministry of Local Government, A. Sothinathan, gave a presentation on waste management and road maintenance. He pointed out the issues that local Authorities should pay attention to.
The Secretaries and Assistant Commissioners of Local Authorities pointed out that there is a decline in public participation in proper waste management, particularly in garbage sorting. Citing the Kandy District as an example, where local authorities only accept cleaned lunch sheets used for packing or consuming food, the Governor emphasized that similarly strict measures should be adopted, with the active support of council members.
In order to take action against those who litter on the streets, the Secretaries of the Local Authorities have been asked to provide details of which streets and at what times environmental police patrols are required, and action will be taken accordingly, the environmental police officials stated. Additionally, the Governor recommended extending the solid waste disposal system, currently implemented by the Jaffna Municipal Council, which issues cards to residents for waste collection, to other local authorities as well.
The list of 38 workers nominated by Local Authorities for climbing electric poles and installing or repairing streetlights has been submitted to the Public Utilities Commission, and the training for them will commence soon, said Northern Provincial Local Government Commissioner Mrs. Thevananthini Babu. She added that additional personnel will be trained in the next phase. Furthermore, she noted that training for newly elected members of local authorities has already begun. The Governor stated that upon completion of this training, he will meet with all council chairmen, the mayor, and other relevant officials.
The discussion was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan, Secretary to the Governor, S. Sathyaseelan, Secretary to the Ministry of Local Government, A. Sothinathan, Commissioner of the Northern Province, Mrs. Thevananthini Babu, Commissioners of the Jaffna and Vavuniya Municipal Councils, Assistant Commissioners of Local Government of all 5 districts, Secretaries of the Urban Councils, Secretaries of the Pradeshiya Sabhas, and Environmental Police Officers.
