National symposium of local bodies held

The National symposium of Local Government bodies was held at the Janakala Kendra auditorium, Battaramulla yesterday with Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister A.L.M. Athaulla presiding.

The Swarna Puravara Award for the best municipality was won by the Matara Municipal Council and Kurunegala and Nuwara Eliya Councils won the second and third places respectively. The award for the best Urban Council was awarded to the Kuliyapitiya UC while the second and third places were awarded to the Bandarawela UC and Balangoda UC respectively, a press release of the Ministry stated.

The best Pradeshiya Sabha Award was given to the Wariyapola PS and the second and the third places were awarded to the Beliatta PS and Pathadumbara PS respectively.

Minister A.L.M. Athaulla addressing the symposium said local adminstration was led by the members and heads of local bodies at the grassroots level supporting the country's leadership. It should fulfil the objectives of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. At present we are undergoing a difficult period with the outbreak of dengue fever and local bodies should take the lead in the national effort to eradicate the disease by destroying places where the mosquito larva was breeding. Methodical management of the environment should be the highest priority for leaders of localities.

Deputy Minister Indika Bandaranayake also participated.