President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled a pioneering strategy aimed at streamlining operations within the Local Council, Provincial Council, and Central Government sectors, with a strong focus on minimizing financial inefficiencies.
In a recent meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, President Wickremesinghe directed officials to develop this innovative approach, emphasizing the need for improved efficacy in these three entities. He instructed officials to collaborate closely with Provincial Governors and Chief Secretaries to draft a comprehensive report on this initiative within a month, ensuring a well-rounded perspective before its implementation.
The meeting, which took place on the afternoon of Thursday (17), congregated Provincial Governors and Chief Secretaries to discuss forthcoming administrative procedures concerning the provincial council system. President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of revamping governance frameworks related to Provincial Council empowerment and the administrative structure of the central government.
He pointed out that certain services are being duplicated across the Local Council, Provincial Council, and Central Government tiers, leading to significant financial wastage. To tackle this inefficiency, President Wickremesinghe recommended the establishment of a new mechanism that coordinates the efforts of these three entities.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for these undertakings to progress harmoniously without competing, particularly as the country strives to offer joint grassroots and district-level services. He acknowledged successful initiatives such as the food security program and the Aswasuma program, which played pivotal roles in improving the well-being of the populace.
Plans are in motion to establish a dedicated advisory committee to collaborate closely with the governors and address the challenges faced by Provincial Councils when interacting with the Central Government. The President also highlighted efforts to enhance education, professional training, and establish new universities in each province. Tourism industry growth is also a priority, with plans for tourism boards at the provincial level to boost the sector.
Various issues were discussed during the meeting, including teacher vacancies, incomplete infrastructure projects, and tourism development opportunities at the provincial level. Present at the discussion were senior officials from different ministries, including the Chief of Presidential Staff and representatives from the Finance Ministry and Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry.
