The primary role of Local Governments in Sri Lanka is to offer essential services that improve the quality of life for citizens, including regulatory functions, public health promotion, and providing infrastructure to enhance the comfort and well-being of communities. However, these bodies often face challenges in service delivery, resulting in public criticism.
A key issue has been the misuse and mismanagement of state resources, highlighted by a government initiative to track down official vehicles misappropriated by former politicians and officials.
The investigation uncovered that hundreds of vehicles, including 201 motorcycles, were unaccounted for under the Southern Provincial Council. An audit report confirmed the disappearance of 201 vehicles registered to the Southern Provincial Council, while sources indicated that over 2,000 vehicles from provincial councils are missing across the country.
The missing vehicles, many of which are luxury cars and jeeps, raise concerns about the improper use of state property. An investigation is ongoing to determine the whereabouts of these vehicles.
Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abeyratne, has directed officials to locate the missing vehicles and has acknowledged past misuse of these resources, particularly by lower-ranking officials with political connections.
Further audit findings show that 31 vehicles from the Central Provincial Council remain unaccounted for, and the physical existence of 201 vehicles from the Southern Provincial Council remains unverified.
These developments highlight the need for stricter measures to ensure accountability and prevent future mismanagement of public resources.
Local Governments in Sri Lanka also face broader issues, including lack of resources, political interference, outdated regulations, human resource management problems, and inefficiencies in procurement processes.
The effectiveness of service delivery is influenced by factors such as employee commitment, leadership, the use of technology, citizen participation, and performance evaluations. Policy measures are needed to address these challenges and improve public service delivery across the country.
