Local authorities are one of the most important segments in Sri Lanka’s administrative structure. They affect the lives of the people on a day to day basis. Pradeshiya Sabhas, urban and municipal councils deliver important services such as garbage collection, allocation of land and trade permissions, XXX. However, there are frequent report about serious problems of citizens in getting their services from local authorities.
Therefore the TISL commissioned Social Indicator (SI), the survey research unit of the CPA, to conduct a survey on Integrity of selected Local Government Institutions in Sri Lanka . SI is an expert in design and implementation of surveys on socio-economic and political issues as well as research and analysis of data. The survey was carried out in the four districts of Badulla, Monaragala, Kurunegala and Puttalam to look into the perspectives of the staff, elected members and service recipients of those selected Local Authorities. SI conducted in-depth interviews and structured questionnaires during the period of July to August 2008. The final results of the study will be published in February 2009.
Preliminary findings show that the inefficient performance of local authorities could be due to weaknesses of political leadership and bureaucracy, absence of proper monitoring system, unnecessary political interference, and recruitment of unqualified officials and lack of sanctions for inefficiency. In addition to this it was also found that tender processes and procurement are two possible areas where corruption occurs. Tamil respondents in particular seem to have resorted to petty corruption to get services done, most of them belonging to low-income category.