Local Government symposium in Jaffna

Ishara Mudugamuwa

The Northern Provincial Council has organized a symposium on local government on October 18 and 19 at the Jaffna Central College and at the Veerasingam hall with the support of the Local Government and Provincial Councils Ministry and the Asia Foundation. The two-day program includes a Technical Session on Local Government, a Cultural Program and an exhibition and it will conclude with an awarding ceremony.

Northern Province Governor Major General G.A.Chandrasiri said at the special press briefing held in Colombo.

" The Symposium is aimed at giving a jump-start to the local government process by creating an awareness on the possibilities and potentials within the existing legal and policy framework.

The advantages of already developed good practices elsewhere in the country will be brought in.

The Pradeshiya Sabha Act No.17 of 1987, Local Government Commission report of 1999 and the Local Government policy of 2007 will form the basis for the entire theme of the symposium."

He said further "The Northern Province which underwent an unprecedented setback during the last thirty years is now at a turning point facing massive changes in terms of socio economic development and governance."

Local Government and Provincial Council Ministry Secretary Vijayaluxmy Ramesh said "there will be 750 people who will participate at the symposium and we invite people who represent other provincials also."

Local Government Chairman Fransis Jhonson and several others participated to the press briefing.