Sri Lankan government streamlines administration of local governments surrounding capital Colombo

The Sri Lankan government has decided to set up an organization named Colombo Metropolitan City Corporation to assist the administrations of five local government bodies in the capital city region.

The relevant local government bodies are Colombo Municipal Council, Dehiwela-Mt Lavinia Municipal Council, Sri Jayewardenepura- Kotte Municipal Council, Kolonnawa Urban Council, and Kotikawatta- Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha.

The new corporation is to be established to streamline the local administration and to build their capacity and capabilities with required powers.

However, the existing five local bodies will continue to function, said a cabinet press statement.

A City Governor appointed by the President will lead the City Corporation. All Heads and the Deputy Heads of the five local bodies and a nominated member from the opposition of each local authority will constitute the composition of this Corporation.

Twelve Advisory Committees comprising of elected members of local bodies will also be set up to advice the Corporation.

The government says this will enable the ruling and the opposition members equally to play a participatory role in exercising the powers of the new Corporation in more democratic manner.

The cabinet, acting on Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Mr. A.L.M. Athaulla's proposal, has decided to instruct the Legal Draftsmen to prepare legislation for presentation in Parliament.