Provincial Council Elections  2004 - Results
Monday, 12 July 2004  
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Nation reposes trust in UPFA

The country wants the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to govern. The United National Front (UNF) received yet another electoral drubbing as the people reaffirmed their faith in the UPFA which convincingly won the April 2 General Election. They have soundly endorsed the UPFA's goals and objectives by making it victorious in all six provinces - Western, Central, North Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Southern. The UPFA earlier won the Wayamba Province as well.

Although the PC election has no bearing on the Central Government, the result of any interim election is often a good gauge of a ruling party's popularity. It is rarely that voters get another opportunity to endorse a Government so soon after electing it at a General Election. In this respect, the UPFA has retained its popularity and the Opposition has slipped further.

The voters' decision is logical in more ways than one. They have decided to strengthen the hands of the UPFA, which has already implemented a series of progressive measures for the country's development. By electing UPFA-led Provincial Councils, they have ensured that one party is at the helm of both the Central and Provincial governing apparatus.

The latest victory at provincial level will be an impetus for the UPFA to proceed with their programme of work with greater vigour. In just three months, it has taken many commendable measures concerning the economy, education, agriculture, local industries and several other sectors which are vital for the country's uplift. It is going ahead with the peace process, as President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga reiterated in a recent interview aired soon after the Kollupitiya suicide bomb blast. Victory at the PC polls will thus give a tremendous boost to the UPFA's 'Rata Perata' program.

Provincial Councils must fully support these initiatives by working closely with the line ministries. This is why it is important to have politically compatible administrations at the Centre and the periphery. Having witnessed the unnecessary and costly conflicts between Central Governments and provincial administrations controlled by different parties, the people have rightly settled on the one party that could seamlessly work for the greater good of the country at all levels of governance.

In fact, the wrangling between the Centre and the provincial councils had led many political analysts to question the need for the latter. Since almost all provincial councils are in the UPFA's hands, they can work in harmony with the Centre for the benefit of the public. With many local bodies also under its control, the UPFA is in a commanding position to implement its policies and programs rapidly.

Now that the people have delivered their verdict, the PCs must lose no time in joining the Central Government's development efforts. They have a very important role to play as many vital sectors including health and education are now under their purview. The Centre and the PCs must evolve a mutually agreeable formula for funding, which is often a thorny issue.

The Chief Ministers, the Governors and provincial councillors must bear in mind that their major task is to initiate development at regional level in collaboration with the Central Government. There are dilapidated roads that have to be repaired; hospitals that urgently need additional equipment; schools without equipment and adequate staff; tanks and other agricultural structures needing renovation.

These are among a few pressing problems that affect the day-to-day lives of people in these provinces. Even the Western Province, the most affluent region, has its share of problems. These problems must be addressed without delay, lest the people lose their faith in the PC system.

There is no question that Provincial Councils must be made more efficient. They should strive to reduce expenditure on buildings, vehicles and staff and channel more funds towards development. They should work in a transparent, accountable manner that leaves no room for political opponents and disgruntled elements to level allegations of corruption. There should also be closer interaction between provincial councils and local bodies (municipal councils, pradeshiya sabhas) to streamline their services to the public.

The UPFA's successive wins in two elections have sent a powerful message to the Opposition that it must stop hindering the UPFA's drive to bring peace and prosperity to Sri Lanka. The Opposition's best option is to unreservedly support the UPFA's progressive plans aimed at ushering in a bright future for all Sri Lankans.

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