Pradheshiya Sabha (Amendment) Bill presented to Parliament

The Pradeshiya Sabha(Amendment) Bill was presented to Parliament last week by the Government, seeking to bring in provisions that would give leeway to Pradeshiya Sabhas to provide welfare facilities to estate communities in the hill country.

The bill was presented by Minister of Provincial Councils and Local GovernmentFaiszer Mustapha.

Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Sriyani Wijewickrama opening the debate on the bill pointed out that the bill, if passed by the House, would bring in much-needed legislation that would help the estate sector communities.

“The current Pradeshiya Sabhas Act does not include provisions that allow the Government to provide even the most basic facilities as the communities live in land that belongs to private companies. There’s serious need to build roads, schools and other infrastructure in the estate sector. We expect this bill will assist this cause,” she said, stressing the fact that those living in the estate sector must be made a part of the nation’s development drive.

According to the bill, a new clause that would be included states “In the case of plantation regions, the Pradeshiya Sabhas may, upon adoption of a special resolution an in concurrence with the administrative authority of the relevant estate, utilise the Pradeshiya Sabha fund to facilitate the resident in the respective plantation regions with roads, wells and other common amenities necessary for the welfare of such residents.”  (SG)