The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we are debating the Vote on the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and the Ministry of Labour. Since this morning, every Member who took part in the debate on these two Ministries expressed various views.

¶ 02 The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government is one of the key Ministries of our country, therefore people in every corner are connected to it in many ways. Just as funds were allocated to the other Heads in this 2026 Budget, an allocation of Rs. 674,000 million has been made for the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government for its functions. Of that, Rs. 24,620 million has been allocated to the subject of Provincial Councils and Local Government for the wellbeing of the people.

¶ 03 Under the Ministry, there are 341 local authorities across the country: 29 Municipal Councils, 36 Urban Councils and 276 Pradeshiya Sabhas. For a long period previously, these institutions functioned without elected public representatives due to the postponement of elections. After the new Government – we – came into power, those elections were held. Now, to fulfill the basic needs of the people, the elected representatives are working within those local authorities. In the first Budget of 2025, a substantial sum was allocated to activate and strengthen the local authorities. Accordingly, in 2025, initial foundational interventions were made to strengthen them. As the second step and next phase, a large amount has been allocated in the second Budget of this Government for 2026 to revive and strengthen the local authorities.

¶ 04 Hon. Presiding Member, in 2025 we started numerous measures to reactivate and strengthen previously inactive local authorities. As the second stage, covering all 341 local authorities, we launched the “Punarudaya Purachara” Local Government Week to bring people closer to their local authorities for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history. From that beginning, we believe that in the Government’s second year – 2026 – we will succeed in fully activating local authorities.

¶ 05 Members of the Opposition, from time to time, raised many questions about the functioning of local authorities. Yes, there are numerous issues that currently hinder their optimal performance. A major issue is the fleet of vehicles for local authorities. The machinery and vehicles available to local authorities are often 10 to 15 years old, and maintenance costs are very high. Across our local authorities, there are about 4,000 old machines and vehicles. Maintaining them has cost an enormous Rs. 3,350 million. Therefore, the new Government decided to provide necessary machinery and vehicles so that these local authorities, which are closest to people from birth to death, can develop basic infrastructure for the public. Accordingly, in the early part of next year we will provide 700 essential vehicles to local authorities. We will be able to provide each local authority with the needed machinery and vehicles.

¶ 06 As a Ministry, we asked every local authority to submit what vehicles they require, and we received a list showing a need for 1,067 vehicles. In the first phase, we are ready to provide 700 vehicles to enable operations, strengthen these authorities, and develop essential public services. As Minister Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe stated, we are arranging to provide 175 tractors, 100 gully bowsers, 100 backhoes, 160 tippers and 75 motor graders. In addition, 90 three-wheelers for daily operations are also being arranged. Within our plan for the next several years, we are making such Budget-backed interventions to strengthen and uplift local authorities.

¶ 07 We all know that one of the Government’s main themes is digitalization. In line with the digitalization program, we are introducing new software for local authorities and implementing a new system. Already, 130 local authorities have implemented this software. By the end of this year, all 341 local authorities will implement it, facilitating faster service delivery to the public. By next year, the system will be introduced to all local authorities, enabling easier transactions for the public. For 2026, we aim to further strengthen local authorities, and for this, Rs. 2,500 million has been allocated in this Budget.

¶ 08 It was discussed today that 20 percent of provisions to local authorities have been cut, and that they cannot function like this. Yes, we know. We discussed this with local authorities. I have here the 2023 Budget Speech, in which it was clearly stated that local authority provisions should be cut by 20 percent. Yet, Opposition Members speak as if they do not know this. We cannot understand whether they are unaware or just posturing, despite having presented 78 Budgets to Parliament.

¶ 09 We also know there are many foreign-aided projects operating for local authorities. For example, the Greater Colombo Wastewater Management Project is ongoing. Under the Rural Bridge Program with Dutch loans and grants, work on 162 rural bridges is nearing completion. From next year over the next four years, provisions are being arranged to build 800 bridges.

¶ 10 Hon. Presiding Member, there are multiple Ordinances and Acts relevant to local authorities. As you and all know, the Municipal Councils Ordinance operating since 15 August 1947, the Urban Councils Ordinance and the Pradeshiya Sabhas Act have been revised by us. We are acting to update outdated laws so that local authorities and other institutions can function smoothly.

¶ 11 There are also many staffing issues in local authorities, which we are addressing. With regard to permanency, the new Government has decided to make permanent about 9,000 casual, temporary and non-permanent employees, including those in local authorities, and we are intervening accordingly.

¶ 12 We are also strengthening the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance, bringing it under our administration to train local authority representatives again. Hon. Presiding Member, based on issues raised by Members from the North and East, we are intervening in those matters as well.

¶ 13 Hon. Presiding Member, to make these goals a reality, we are laying the necessary foundations and implementing major projects to bring about a tangible change. The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, together with Provincial Councils, local authorities, all District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats, are working hand-in-hand. Our democratic Government’s objective through “Punarudaya Purachara” is to create a prosperous country where all Sri Lankans can live beautiful lives. I extend my appreciation to my Hon. Minister who guides the Ministry, the Secretary, Additional Secretaries, the Director-General and all officials. I conclude, seeking your continued support to make these efforts successful. Thank you.