Local Govt. representation to be increased

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

The Government has given the green light in principle to increase the numbers of local government bodies, especially in the central highland. 

The proposed increase will be channelled through the Parliament in the forthcoming Bill, according to Minister of National Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan.

Addressing the journalists yesterday, Minister Ganesan stated that both the President and the Prime Minister have given their consent to widen the base of democracy. 

“There are only eight local government bodies in the Nuwara Eliya District. These include a municipal council, two urban councils and five pradeshiya sabhas. We met with the Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Faiszer Musthapha this morning. He also agreed to include the amendment in the Bill. All lawmakers representing the district will meet soon to discuss the final numbers,” he explained.

According to Minister Ganesan, there are pradeshiya sabhas catering to the needs of 10,000 residents. But the Ambagamuwa Pradeshiya Sabha alone has a population of 225,000 seeking services, which is difficult to meet based on the terrain and spread of the houses. Some have to travel over 50 km to get to a pradeshiya sabha. 

“We are happy that the current Government was able to understand the difficulties and to approve this move, which will unite and gather people in remote parts of the district,” added the Minister.