SLILG

Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance

• Introduction

  Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG) emerged in the background of the search for a developmental vision for Local Government in the country. Accordingly the Presidential Commission was appointed to study and make recommendations on the vision in 1997. In their recommendations the Presidential Commission emphatically addressed the need for a new institution that would cater to the requirements of capacity building in the Local Government sector in the country. The emphasis herein was to consider Local Government as an autonomous, independent sector that could be directly linked to the development of the people's expectations to live up to standards of effective, efficient service delivery and to up lift the living conditions of the people. The implying characteristic in this endeavor was that they are the best suited institutions that could meet the expectations. They were endowed with the characteristic of being a representative body of the people, being the democratic organization closest to them. In pursuance of these expectations the Parliament by Act No. 31 of 1999 established the SLILG which commenced functioning in October that year.
  The main objective of the institute is to facilitate the enhancement of institutional and managerial capabilities of Provincial Councils and Local Government Institutions for the efficient and effective provisions of services to the people. Under the 13th amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka a three-tiered devolved system in governance was created in the country in 1987. The effective exercise of devolved power is a necessary condition for the realization of democracy and objectives of power sharing. It was hence expected establish an institutionalized governance role and function at the provincial level.
  It is eight years since its establishment. Within this period Annual Action Plans have been worked out, as a result of which a purposeful conceptualization of the aims and objectives of SLILG have been achieved through the guidance of Governing Council of the SLILG. The links with international Local Government training Institutions and National Institutions and their inputs have greatly impacted in the take off within the short period. The contributions of the staff of SLILG, particularly the consultants in the various fields and the Research contribution have greatly facilitated these achievements.
  But the goals of decentralization are yet a distance away, particularly in achieving & implementation. For example;
  Its allocative efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that the allocation of resources addresses the immediate prioritized need of the society.
  Its ability to enhance the responsiveness of policy making and the implementation in addressing the needs of all target groups.
  Its effectiveness in poverty reduction and development.
  That decisions taken at these levels are better placed to reflect the preferences of citizens especially the poor categories.
  Concerns of how to involve grass root communities in decision that effect their lives through participation in Local Governance.
  Hence every year it would to be the aims to consider these as the path way leading to Local democracy to which Local Authorities should be committed. Accordingly, orient the capacity enhancement process in Local Authorities.
  VISION
  "Aiming at upliftment of the quality of the life of the people by becoming the apex national agency in Local Governance through Advocacy, Training, Research and Consultancy Services."
  MISSION
  " To be the foremost National Agency in Local Governance for building capacity of sub National (Regional / Provincial) and Local Government Institutions through Advocacy, Training, Research and Consultancy services towards upliftment of the quality of life of the people".
  GOALS
  To ensure the development of human resources of provincial councils and local government institutions in order to strengthen their institutional and management capacity.
  To function as the leading centre for Training, Research and Consultancy Services on issues relating to local governance in Sri Lanka.
  OBJECTIVES
  The above mission leads to the following objectives:-
  (i)To formulate and deliver programmes of capacity building activities for the institutional strengthening of local governance in partnership with Provincial Management Development Training Units (MDTU).
  (ii)To support and strengthen the capacity of MDTU towards delivering training and development programmes for improving the performance of Provincial Councils and Local Government Institutions.
  (iii)To function as a resource centre on Local Governance, providing technical and information services for its stakeholders.
  (iv)To function as the focal point for Local Governance, networking with relevant National and International Institutions.
  (v)To provide special support services in the development of human resources, improvement of management systems, and facilitate organizational changes.
  (vi)To build the capacity of SLILG to provide Advocacy, Training, Consultancy and Research support for strengthening institutions of Local Governance.
  ACHIEVEMENTS
  1. Given support the councilors, officers and workers attached to Provincial Councils and Local Authorities to develop their management capacities to provide their services effectively and efficiently.
  2. Provided an in-depth exposure in technical know how and new innovations to Engineering & Technical Staff of Provincial Councils & Local Authorities.
  3. Organized Management training programmes to promote capacity building in response to the growing challenges faced by Provincial Councils and Local Authorities.
  4. Offered Academic & Professional qualifications to elected members and staff of Local Authorities through Diploma Courses.
  5. Developed Skills of Local Authority Staff in Financial Management.
  6. Provided Advocacy and Consultancy aiming improvement of Physical Planning in Local Authorities in Sri Lanka.
  7. Disseminated the information on research studies and the functions and activities of the institute to the relevant institutions and to the public.
  8. Participated to the preparation of the Statutes and By-Law and Improving Legal know-how in respect of preparation of By-Laws and Statutes among Elected Members and Staff of LAs.

• City Data (2009)

  Population (persons)
  Area (km2)
  Number of Households
  GDP per Capita (US$)
  Climate
  Major Languages
  Major Industries

• Urban Issues and Projects

  Priority Concerns

  Main Projects and Contributions

  Technical Cooperation with Other Cities

  Cooperation Offered

  Cooperation Requested