Regarding the upgrading of certain Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Northern Province to Municipal Councils or the division of certain Pradeshiya Sabhas that cover two Divisional Secretariat divisions to form new local government bodies, Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. Chandana Abayarathna, stated that proposals for such changes could be submitted with the approval of the District Coordinating Committee, provided that the financial capacity required to manage them efficiently in the future is confirmed.
A special discussion on the development of Northern Province local government bodies was held today – on Saturday morning, 12 September 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat, chaired by Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan. The Minister made these remarks during the discussion.
During the discussion, the Northern Province Commissioner of Local Government Department gave a detailed account of the current work of the Provincial Department of Local Government, ongoing development activities, and the key challenges being faced.
It was pointed out that, compared to the funds allocated to the Northern Province Department of Local Government two years ago, the Department is currently handling about five times more funds, resulting in a shortage of technical staff relative to this increase, and that additional payments need to be made to technical officers in line with their workload.
The Commissioner of the Department of Local Government also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government for allocating funds to the Northern Province for various development projects. It was noted that there are staff vacancies in various positions, including revenue inspectors, and the Minister stated that this shortage of staff is not an issue limited to the Northern Province alone, but is seen across the entire country.
Discussions were also held on proposals to upgrade certain Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Northern Province to Municipal Councils and to divide certain Pradeshiya Sabhas covering two Divisional Secretariat divisions into two separate new Pradeshiya Sabhas. It was pointed out that similar steps had been taken in the past as well.
Responding to this, the Minister stated that upgrading a local government body or creating a new one cannot be carried out as an isolated measure, and that the financial capacity required to manage them going forward must first be ensured. He noted that if adequate financial resources are available, proposals could be sent with the approval of the District Coordinating Committee, and that they would be duly considered.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of the Department of Local Government pointed out that many of the existing local government laws are outdated and highlighted the need to amend them in line with current social and administrative requirements. The Minister requested that recommendations regarding the legal provisions that need to be changed and the amendments required be compiled and submitted.
Attention was also given to the need to further strengthen fire service facilities in the Northern Province. In particular, detailed discussion took place on the need to establish fire brigade divisions in Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts, and in the Vadamaradchy area of Jaffna District.
Extensive discussion was also held on the permanent absorption of employees currently serving as outsourced staff in local government bodies. The Minister requested that the relevant request be submitted promptly and stated that he recognizes this as an issue unique to the Northern Province and that he would look into ongoing measures to address it.
The discussion also focused on infrastructure and resource needs of local government bodies, including required vehicles.
The discussion was attended by Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources R. Chandrasekhar, the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Local Government – Northern Province, the Deputy Chief Secretaries for Administration and Finance, the Northern Province Commissioner of the Department of Local Government, the Director of Planning of the Provincial Ministry of Local Government, Municipal Commissioners, and Secretaries of local authorities.
