Lack of citizen’s participation in Local governance was evident in some local government authorities in the Southern Province.
This was revealed after Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) conducted a baseline survey in Yakkalamulla Pradesheeya Sabha and Ambalangoda Urban Council and Pradesheeya Sabha areas. The survey was conducted to assess the present status of citizens’ participation in the respective local bodies and to identify their most pressing needs in terms of establishing a more transparent and accountable governance system.
The lack of citizens’ participation in public galleries and standing committees, very low participation of the community in council activities were evident in the survey. In most of the councils public input were not sought in the preparation of the annual budgets.
The survey has found that public complaints books and monthly meeting minutes are not available for public scrutiny in the councils. Following the findings of the survey TISL started an action plan to promote people’s participation in the council activities.