The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, at the Adjournment, I raise the following:

¶ 02 Although considerable time has elapsed since Provincial Councils lapsed, society often discusses the extensive public expenditure incurred on the Chairmen of those Provincial Councils. I ask:

¶ 03 1. On what dates did each Provincial Council’s term end? 2. If the term has ended and the Council stands dissolved, on what basis does the Chairman continue thereafter? 3. For each Provincial Council, what amounts were spent on the Chairman during the last five years, by year and under which heads? 4. After dissolution, what are the duties of the Chairman? 5. Are there Provincial Councils without a Chairman at present? If so, why? 6. Has the absence of a Chairman affected the functioning of such Provincial Councils?

¶ 04 The Chairmen of Provincial Councils once held respected positions. Now they have become like “invisible guests”. Even though Councils are not functioning due to their terms ending rather than formal dissolution, Chairmen remain with salaries, allowances, facilities and staff — yet they are seldom seen, leading to public criticism that they draw large sums without commensurate work. This disrespects the officeholders as well. I seek the responsible Minister’s response.