The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna – Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, regarding District and Divisional Coordinating Committees, the current framework is Circular 02/2021 issued by the then State Ministry of Defence, Home Affairs and Disaster Management. We have noted the points raised by Hon. Members of the Opposition. We assure that DCCs will not be used to confer undue advantage to the Government. Their mandate is to ensure more effective use of budgetary allocations through oversight. Both Government and Opposition Members, as well as heads of local authorities, can participate, present observations, proposals and criticisms.

¶ 02 Therefore, contrary to the claim that this violates the 13th Amendment, I view DCCs as another modality within devolution. Heads of local authorities representing Opposition parties also participate. Considering all views, we aim to deliver better public service.

¶ 03 On the Motion’s key issues, my Ministry, together with the Presidential Secretariat, is revising the existing circular to minimize the highlighted concerns. If there are lacunae, we will correct them and issue a better circular. The revised circular is to be issued with Cabinet policy approval, enabling us to address existing issues. We will incorporate the concerns presented here — especially those by Opposition Members — in these revisions.

¶ 04 The DCCs are not to confirm political power for any side. Our core objective is to ensure maximum public benefit and effective use of public funds allocated via the Budget — in agriculture, roads, fisheries, livestock, health, education and other sectors, including industries unique to each area. DCCs provide a forum to discuss plans, make proposals, and monthly review progress with responsible officials reporting achievements in their sectors. We will also strengthen the legal framework as necessary.

¶ 05 Taking on board the concerns raised, we assure you that DCCs will not be converted into institutions to entrench political power. Our Government has no such intention; these institutions are used solely to deliver better public service. I thank Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy for bringing the Motion and all Members who contributed.