Local Governance seminar tomorrow

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

COLOMBO: A Transparent Accountable Local Governance (TALG) programme organised by Asia Foundation will be held on November 4 and 5 at Ceylon Hotel School Auditorium to replicate better local governance practices throughout the country.

"The TALG programme is aimed at promoting effective and democratic local government. The symposium is a showcase that the local authorities are moving towards a development plan. It will also provide the opportunities to get funds and technical assistance for the development projects," said Program Director Alix Yule.

She explained that many of the local authorities did not have a vision of the needs of the citizens. " The training provided by our staff enhanced the understanding of the authorities of the needs of people. It has increased citizen awareness and will result in developing and advancing a policy reform agenda with political parties and other stakeholders," Yule explained.

"People have realised that they have to follow a plan to gain development.

"Planning is very significant in increasing awareness. The skills, communication and public consultation has increased during the past year," Yule said underlining the importance of planning.

Yule added that 10 per cent of the local authorities are covered under the TALG programme. "Every aspect that comes under local authorities will be involved. The Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils are pleased as we are approaching similar goals," she pointed out.

These projects are implemented and managed by the Asia foundation with USAID funding. The Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance are the National partners of the programme.

International City/Country Management Association (ICMA), USA and Environmental Management Lanka (EML) will collaborate in this endeavour.