Reforming Local Governance: A Call for Accountability and Efficiency

In recent months, the Opposition's clamor for Provincial Council (PC) and Local Government (LG) Elections has gained momentum, with a focus on their essential role in addressing pressing issues. The revelations from the National Audit Office (NAO) Report on the service rendered by the nine Provincial Councils shed light on the urgency for reform.

According to the report, a staggering Rs. 298 billion was allocated to employee salaries, overshadowing the mere Rs. 16 billion spent on actual services in 2022. This skewed expenditure pattern, where 96 percent is channelled into salaries and recurrent expenses, underscores the need for a critical review of how public funds are utilized.

Notably, the report disclosed that 82 percent of the income of these PCs came from grants by the Central Government, emphasizing the extent of reliance on external funding. At a time when Sri Lanka grapples with a severe financial crisis, it is imperative to curb such extravagant spending that adds to the economic woes.

Instances of embezzlement, exemplified by the case of two female officers from the Kandy Municipal Council, further spotlight the need for comprehensive reform. Misappropriation of public funds for personal events is a symptom of a deeper issue within the system.

The Opposition's demand for elections, however, should be scrutinized. While they champion the cause of the people, it is crucial to ensure that their motives extend beyond securing salaries for their loyalists. The existing practices within local governance bodies, such as PCs, Municipal Councils (MCs), Urban Councils (UCs), and Pradeshiya Sabhas, reveal a concerning pattern of corruption and inefficiency.

The daily lives of ordinary citizens are marred by the demand for bribes, inefficient services, and selective application of rules. For example, the refusal to collect garbage from homes paying taxes within 100 meters from main roads exposes a glaring disregard for duty.

Furthermore, the exploitative tactic of charging fees for minor requirements and demanding bribes at various stages of processing documents paints a grim picture of the prevailing culture. A systemic change is urgently needed to dismantle these corrosive practices that hinder the effective functioning of these institutions.

The plight of less privileged individuals facing bureaucratic hurdles and deliberate delays contrasts sharply with the expedited services provided to the wealthy. This discrepancy in treatment further underscores the urgent need for reform in the functioning of these bodies.

As we stand on the precipice of potential elections, it is imperative to demand not only a change in leadership but a fundamental overhaul of the systems that have perpetuated these practices for decades. The time for change is now, and the electorate should insist on candidates who champion transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving the people.