“Are Our Local Authorities Prepared for a ‘Clean Sri Lanka’”?

“Are Our Local Authorities Prepared for a ‘Clean Sri Lanka’”?

The government’s vision of a ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ is a laudable initiative. However, a closer look at the ground reality reveals that our local authorities are ill-equipped to meet the standards required to achieve this goal.

A case in point is Maharagama, where I reside. Sixty years ago, street sweeping and garbage collection were routine services. Today, while household waste is still collected, the service is irregular and limited in scope. Notably, used glassware is no longer collected, leaving residents without proper disposal options.

In the past, the Public Works Department (PWD) — a name still fondly remembered — maintained clean streets and managed waste efficiently. Workers were a common sight, sweeping roads and carting garbage away in two-wheeled carts to designated disposal centres. Despite a significant increase in municipal rates over the years, these basic services have been withdrawn in many areas like ours.

As a result, our streets remain unkempt, drains are clogged — becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes — and the stench from uncollected waste is unbearable. This situation appears to be common across most local authorities, with the exception of a few well-managed urban councils.

It is time the newly appointed Minister of Local Government addresses this pressing issue. If we are serious about building a cleaner, healthier Sri Lanka, local government institutions must be restructured, properly funded, and held accountable. Otherwise, ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ will remain an empty slogan, far removed from the day to day experiences of citizens.

A G