On March 19th at midnight, the term of office for 344 local authorities will come to an end and their powers will be transferred to the Commissioners. As a result, mayors and chairmen of these institutions are required to return any official vehicles they were given.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, and Provincial Councils and Local Governments has announced that members of the local government institutions will only receive allowances up until March 19th.
The Local Authorities Act requires that elections be held before the end of the term of office for local authorities. However, since this was not possible, the power of local authorities will end after midnight on March 19th.
As a result, municipal commissioners will assume power for the 29 municipal councils, while the secretaries of the 36 urban councils and 275 local councils will take over their powers.
On March 14th, a discussion was held between Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who is also the subject Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Governments, and the Governors of all nine provinces at Temple Trees to discuss the future activities and maintenance of the 340 local government institutions when their term of office ends.
The parties discussed about providing the necessary facilities to the people to fulfill their needs without any problem.
Governors Tikiri Kobbekaduwa (Sabaragamuwa), Wasantha Karannagoda (North Western), M.J.M. Muzammil (Uwa), Mahipala Herath (North Central), Willy Gamage (Southern), Lalith U. Gamage (Central), Anuradha Yahampath (Eastern) Roshan Gunathilake (Western), Jeevan Thyagaraja (Northern), Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Public Administration Secretary Neil Hapuhinna and Prime Minister’s Legal Adviser Dr. Jayatissa de Costa participated in the discussion.
Although discussions are being held to hold the Local government elections on April 25, there is still no certainty regarding that date.
