A fourth local body – Bope- Poddala Pradesheeya Sabha (PS) – in the Galle district will be added this year to the programme implemented by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) to enhance accountability, transparency and citizen participation in local government institutions. During the past two years, TISL worked with Ambalangoda UC, Ambalangoda PS and Yakkalamulla PS under this progeamme.
Bope-Poddala PS was added to the programme at a meeting held at the Galle District Secretariat recently with Ravindra Hewawitharana, District Secretary to discuss the activity plan for 2013/14.
In order to achieve the set objectives, TISL conducted several mobilization programs on issues relating to citizens groups and in the process it provided assistance to set up citizen committees for monitoring purposes in all three local bodies.
TISL also conducted a number of workshops for elected and public officials resulting in notable achievements as a result of its interventions.
Southern Province Commissioner of Local Government Chandima Muhandiramge, Additional District Secretary Malani Lokupothagama, Chairmen of the four councils, TISL’s Executive Director S. Ranugge, Project Manager Ananda Jayasekara and Programme Officer Thilina Nuwan participated at the discussion.
This programme is funded by National Endowment for Democracy (NED).