Best local authorities in NE commended

[TamilNet, Friday, 01 April 2005, 05:10 GMT]
Mr.Tyronne Fernando, North East Governor, Thursday, in a event held at the auditorium of the NEPC Chief Secretariat, presented shields and certificates to best Municipal Council (MC), Urban Council (UC) and Predesiya Sabah (PS) in the northeast province elected in a competition conducted by the Provincial Local Government Department last year. Three MCs, seven UCs and 61 PSs participated in the competition. Altogether 71 local authorities are functioning in the NorthEast.




Mr.Navaneethan, Commissioner receives award from the Governor on behalf of the Batticaloa Municipal Council. Provincial Commissioner of Local Government Mr.S.Sabapathipillai is seen in right

Secretary Mr.Saravanapava receives award on behalf of the best Vavuniya Urban Council

Batticaloa MC became the first in the competition among three Municipal Councils and Vavuniya Urban Council became first among 07 UCs. Valigamam South Predesiya Council in Jaffna district became first among 61 PSs.

Ms D.D.Wijeluchmi, Director of Local Government Services Department made the welcome speech. She said that two-decade-old war had crippled the smooth functioning of the local authorities in the province. Now only local authorities are slowly coming back to normalcy with great difficulties and inadequate required resources.

Mr.S.Sabapathipillai, Provincial Commissioner of Local Government said there was a proposal to honour personalities who have given contributed significantly to the development of local institutions. The proposal would be implemented in future when holding Local Government Week in the province, he added.

Ms Muthulingam, Secretary received award on behalf of the best Valigamam South PS

Mr.Tyronne Fernando, NE Provincial Governor said that of 71 local authorities in the northeast province only 10 are run elected administration and the rest are administered by specially appointed government officials. North East has only elected parliamentarians to serve the people and not elected provincial council. "I want elections held at these local authorities and provincial councils very soon," he said.

"In 1948 former Singapore Prime Minister wanted his country to be like another Sri Lanka in development. But it is a pity that after fifty-two years we now want Sri Lanka to be like another Singapore. Ordinary people of this country should not be blamed for this tragic situation," said Mr.Tyronne Fernando.

Awarding event was held in the auditorium of the NEPC Chief Secretariat with the Governor as the chief guest.