Legal Status and Role of Pradeshiya Sabha
In 1987, With the establishment of the Provincial Councils by the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which was incorporated into the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1978, the subject of Local Government also became part of the procedures of the Provincial Council. Accordingly, in addition to the provisions of the Pradeshiya Sabha Act No. 15 of 1987 and other related laws, provisions have been made for a local government body consisting of two hundred and twenty six (226) provisions including all powers and responsibilities in relation to the following functions. Those functions and activities are specified in the Act under the following categories.
- Establishment of Pradeshiya Sabhas and Conducting meetings.
- Official Status, Powers and Functions of the Pradeshiya Sabhas.
- Powers and functions related to Roads.
- Powers and functions of Public Health.
- Cash and Assessment Taxes.
- Supervision and control of Pradeshiya Sabhas.
- Supplementary provisions applicable to Pradeshiya Sabhas.
- Charging, Compensation Procedure and Legal Actions, Powers and Responsibilities of Officers,Interim arrangements and arrangements and Provisions.
In addition to the provisions of the Basic Act, there are number of statutes and laws that are empowered for local government Authority.
- Butchers Ordinance
- Entertainment Tax Ordinance
- Law of constructions of road and public statues
- Tribulation Ordinance
- Cemeteries and Burial Grounds Ordinance
- Dog Registration Ordinance
- Housing and Urban Development Ordinance
- Food Act
- Rabies Ordinance
In addition to the principal laws mentioned above for local government institutions, there are several auxiliary laws, including the Financial Regulations and the Establishments Code. That is,
- By-laws
- Orders
- Publications
- Directions / prescriptions
- Announcements
- Constitutions
A Pradeshiya Sabha conducts its activities within the legal framework mentioned above. Within the legal framework, decisions are taken by a council of elected representatives selected by the people living in the Pradeshiya Sabha area. Accordingly, there are many functions performed by a Pradeshiya Sabha to protect the resources on behalf of the people, to utilize the resources effectively and efficiently as well as to improve the standards of living of the people of the area.
- Maintaining and cleaning all the roads, streets, and open areas were assigned or handed over to control to the Pradeshiya Sabha.
- Widening and maintenance of roads, reservation of open areas, work for development and upliftment of the Pradeshiya Sabha area through public development activities, implementation and review of new project proposals.
- Elimination of all common public hazards.
- Establishment and maintenance of public utility services required for the welfare, comfort and convenience of the people.
- Improve the public health, welfare and sanitation services in the Pradeshiya Sabha area.
- Provide, maintain and control the drinking water requirements of the Pradeshiya Sabha area.
- Collect revenue to the fund of the Pradeshiya Sabha as maintained by the Act and to maintain good financial management.
- Health care activities.
- Maintain good relationships with other government agencies.
