Saturday Sep 21, 2024
Saturday Sep 21, 2024
Saturday, 28 February 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
“Devolution of power was widely recognised as an important governance mechanism for ‘power sharing’. From time immemorial, the Eastern Province has rendered yeoman services to the country for its prosperity and food security by devoting its precious resources. The Eastern Province now possesses all resources to face the challenges in exercising and discharging its role in adherence to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The need for coordinated effort by Central and Provincial agencies to deal with development and other challenges has been emphasised in several forums. In view of the criticality of this requirement, I would urge you, Minister, once more to explore how we can achieve even better coordination between the Centre and Province.”
He also said that time has now come to view the challenges of development and governance issues in a holistic manner. “I think each one of us needs to be completely objective in our approach to these issues, acting in national interest, rising above narrow political and ideological divides. I would appeal to all political parties and all sections of society to work together to find effective ways and means of meeting these challenges. District secretaries and divisional secretaries play a dual role in representing the central government and provincial councils and their cooperation is vital in sharing powers between the central government and provincial councils.
“We fully support the President’s vision of a democratic structure based on the principles of good governance for growth that will empower the provinces to achieve their developmental aspirations with rejuvenated vigour and enthusiasm. It shall also enable all provinces to optimally utilise their resources to leverage Sri Lanka to its rightful place in the global arena.”
Local Government
The Eastern Province constitutes three Municipal Councils, five Urban Councils and 37 Pradeshiya Sabhas. The subject of local government administration comes under the purview of the provincial council. These local bodies have been entrusted with the responsibility of providing services to the local community which involves in community health services and social welfare facilities. Their role in creating healthy environment especially green cities is highly commendable.
Fiscal devolution to local authorities presents an opportunity to improve accountability, to hold local politicians to account for their successes and failures. Therefore to improve democracy it is appropriate to initiate action for fiscal devolution and grant Eastern Provincial Council requisite powers for raising as well as spending money locally. This would enhance the standing of local democracy and facilitate the extension of democracy throughout the country thereby contributing towards the establishment of a good governance structure.
However, the Central Government’s financing arrangements clearly undermines the role of Provincial Council in local government administration. It is desired that action be taken to channel the financial resources to local bodies in Eastern Province through the Eastern Provincial Council. Furthermore, action needs to be taken to strengthen the financial and advisory committees of local authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in local authorities’ functions.
Education
Earlier due to the conflict, education of the students in the province was disrupted due to displacement and destruction of school buildings and infrastructure. The Government initiated action to provide quality education to all students, focusing on providing educational infrastructure as well as developing education sector human resources. However, action should be taken to improve the school facilities and welfare of the needy students.
Health
Sri Lanka has been able to maintain overall health indicators at satisfactory levels despite conflict situation and economic downturns experienced in the past. Action was taken to rehabilitate and reconstruct the health infrastructure facilities and develop and expand the health sector human resources. More doctors and paramedical staff were recruited, enabling health services to reach the disadvantaged areas of the province. Action needs to be taken to combat new health challenges such as emergence of non-communicable diseases, dengue and chronic kidney disease.
“We are aware of the fact that an increasing number of our youth are becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. We are also aware of the negative consequences of drug use and alcoholism in family life and social security. Increased usage of drugs and alcoholism has resulted in an increase of crime rate and gang violence. We will initiate action in collaboration with the law enforcement agencies and community based organisations and focus our resources to eradicate this menace from our society and promote an environment free of illicit drugs and alcoholism.”
Agriculture
The Eastern Province, primarily being an agriculture-based economy, is largely dependent on irrigation networks for growth and development. The overall objective of the agriculture sector development programs is to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, thereby ensuring food security and provide better living standards for the local population. Agricultural development of this province depends on seasonal rainwater stored in the tanks for the rest of the year.
Furthermore, since over 60% of the population depends on agriculture related activities and the economy of the Eastern Province exclusively relies on paddy cultivation, it is essential and imperative that irrigation systems are developed and sufficient water resources are made available for agricultural purposes of this province. Assistance of the Central Government is solicited to increase the productivity and production of agriculture sector in Eastern Province.
Investment promotion
The Eastern Provincial Council is implementing an investment promotion program which aligns the policy priorities of the Eastern Provincial Council with the expectations of investors including private and foreign investors by implementing a set of policy measures for investment promotion, facilitation of the investment process, assisting in monitoring of regulatory clearances, human resource development and acceleration of infrastructure development. “We would greatly appreciate the assistance and cooperation of the Central Government to promote Eastern Province as an attractive investment destination in this country.”
Tourism
Tourism in the Eastern Province is one of the industries hardest hit by the conflict and with the end the conflict, the Eastern Province is poised to become one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world. The eastern coast is famous for its white beaches and water sports such as surfing. Furthermore, the Eastern Province consists of many nature attractions as well as historical sites. Assistance of the Central Government is sought in human resources development and promotional activities to increase the tourism arrivals in this Province.
“Minister, I would like to thank you for affording me this opportunity to meet you and share my thoughts on the challenges and issues faced by the province. I am sure these aspects would receive the urgent attention of the Central Government and will certainly contribute towards the attainment of faster, more inclusive and sustainable growth. We wish to express our thanks and gratitude for assistance and cooperation extended by you in the past and is confident of receiving assistance whenever the situation arises.”
