The Hon. Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak at the Second Reading of the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill.

¶ 02 I thank the Government for moving to hold the long-delayed local elections and for increasing slots for women and youth. I wish to place several matters regarding local authorities.

¶ 03 Before 2018, there were 4,493 members in 341 local bodies island-wide, receiving Rs. 75 million per month—Rs. 900 million per year. After the 2018 election, membership increased to 8,356, plus 385 hang-on members, totaling 8,741 across 341 bodies. Their monthly allowances rose to about Rs. 142 million—Rs. 1,680 million per year—an increase of Rs. 65 million per month and Rs. 780 million per year.

¶ 04 A Committee—Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya, Mr. Ravi Jayalath, Mr. Hameed, Mr. Thavalin gam, and Ms. Adhikari—was appointed in October 2022 to study cost reduction. It recommended reducing members by 56 percent—from 8,356 to 4,714—saving about Rs. 750 million annually.

¶ 05 At present, local councils face instability with frequent changes in leadership and administration. To reduce costs and avoid instability, and in the national interest, I request the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to conduct this year’s election to elect about 4,714 members as recommended.

¶ 06 We say “empower women and youth.” It is not enough to elect them; they must be given adequate powers. In India and other Western countries, local bodies have significant powers. In Toronto, the Mayor can even appoint the Police Commission. In India, local bodies run high schools and higher education institutions. Our local bodies do not have such powers. People mock that they only “collect garbage and light lamps.” Instead, give them more powers and facilities so they can truly develop their regions.

¶ 07 For instance, Trincomalee Municipal Council has only a couple of backhoe loaders; waste is collected only every 3–4 days. After holding the election, grant more powers and facilities to local bodies to realize grassroots democracy. I conclude. Thank you.