A project to strengthen local government systems to encourage an inclusive developmental approach in planning and delivery of local services, and consistent with the national policy framework of Mahinda Chinthana, Idiri Dakma was launched in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 25 July 2013.

The Strengthening local governance for national development, Sri Lanka project – an initiative of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), Commonwealth Secretariat, Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Associations (FSLGA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils - will focus on building local government capacity to support enhanced participatory development, inter-community reconciliation and meet the needs of communities across Sri Lanka. 

It will work through four themes, namely: local government institutional arrangements, local government administration and financing, local government capacity building and strategies to promote closer engagement among local community stakeholders. 

Speaking today at the launch in Colombo, Mayor Hilmy, President of FSLGA, said

 ‘FSLGA is delighted to be taking forward this new initiative. Local government is a key part of the governance framework of the country. It is  the level of government closest to the people, responsible for providing many of the services that support the livelihoods of communities across Sri Lanka and has a key role to play in the reconciliation and nation building process.’

Also speaking in Colombo, CLGF Secretary-General Carl Wright said:

 “The project, which is supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat, is an important opportunity to strengthen local government in Sri Lanka to respond to respond to the needs of local communities. Local government has a vital role to play in development across the Commonwealth and the project will promote Commonwealth values of democracy and good governance. CLGF is looking forward to working closely together with its partners in Sri Lanka, FSLGA and the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils, and the Commonwealth Secretariat to take the project forward.”

Read Carl Wright’s blog Sri Lanka: Engagement not boycott

Photo credit: Pubudu Jayawardana