Shan Wijayalal De Silva Chief Minister of Southern Province commended the efforts of Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) for introducing good governance practices in local governance in Galle District.
In order to make meaningful citizen’s participation in governance they have to be engaged not only during the planning process but right through out. In this regards TISL was able to engage all three stakeholders’ in a Pradeshiya Saba Division citizens, elected members and public officials said the Chief Minister while attending the workshop to share experience on local governance in Wakwella training center in Galle as the chief guest.
Public in Galle turned up in large numbers to take part in the workshop. TISL held a mini exhibition too to highlight the work they have done in Galle District.
“The term Governance denotes bringing about a change to the natural process. Good governance therefore helps to improve the performance of the governance process. During the past three years TISL contributed towards a very important task which led to increase transparency and accountability of local government institutions through citizen participation in local governance and also improved the performance of local government institutions” he said.
He also lauded the TISL for organaising a review workshop to further reflect what was done.
“In good governance both citizens and elected representatives have equal rights. The rule of law is equal to all. Therefore, wherever good governance is practiced citizens respond when there are violations or deviations. God governance principles are much more relevant in the present context than ever before.”
The chief minister expressed his gratitude to TISL for selecting four local government institutions from the Southern province for the project implementation and requested TISL to replicate the programme in whole of southern province.
The Commissioner of Local Governance in Galle District Dileka Kudaachchi addressing the gathering stated that she got an opportunity to join some of the programmes organized by TISL under the governance project. She appreciated TISLs efforts to improve the service delivery of local government institutions for citizens.
“Local government institutions have been set up for citizens and therefore citizen participation in governance process is vital. It was clear from the views expressed by secretaries, chairman, other officials and citizens that TISL programmes had brought about a positive change.”
“The best evaluators or judges are citizens and making them informed and strengthening them is commendable’ she said.
Former chairman of Bope Poddala Pradeshiya Sabha and now a member of the Southern Provincial council Chanaka Sampath Madugoda, Chairman of Amablangoda Urban Council attorney at law Aruna Pradeep, Venerable Ukwatte Chandima Thero Chariman of the Bope Pddala Pradeshiya Sabha, Pushpalal Kumarasinghe Chairman of Amablangoda Pradeshiya Sabha, Chandima Muhandirmage Chairman of Yakkalamulla Pradehsiya Sabha, S Ranugge Executive Director of TISL and Ananda Jayasekera manager of TISL too addressed the gathering. This initiative was financially supported by National Endowment for Democracy.