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

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answer is as follows:

¶ 02 (a) (i) 339 Divisional Secretariats and 2 sub-offices. (ii) 628. (iii) Not adequate. A large number of vehicles are old; repairs are carried out and they are used. (iv) Among these, 223 vehicles are over 20 years old and 108 vehicles are over 15 years old. Vehicles purchased in 1984 are still in service. The last batch was obtained in 2008; there are vehicles from that lot as well. Every vehicle is older than five years; some are over 40 years old. (v) Yes. To implement the Government’s development agenda efficiently, attention has been paid to strengthening divisional administration and procuring necessary facilities. Cabinet approval has been granted to purchase necessary vehicles for Divisional Secretariats for essential public services and field duties. (vi) As per the recommendations of the Office of the Comptroller General, a requirement for 465 vehicles has been identified for administrative work of District and Divisional Secretariats. (vii) Yes. The observations, recommendations and report of this Ministry on the requirement for 465 vehicles were sent to the Comptroller General on 13.10.2025. Obtaining necessary approvals and provisions is to be done by the Office of the Comptroller General, after which the Ministry of Finance will take required steps.

¶ 03 (b) Not applicable.