President intends to reduce members of LG bodies from 8000 to 4000

Prior to the next election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he intends to reduce the number of council members for local government bodies (Pradeshiya Sabhas, Municipal Councils, Urban Councils) from 8000 to 4000 and also implement the Jana Sabha program, President’s office said.

The executive power of the Pradeshiya Sabhas should be given to a chairman-based committee instead of a single chairman and draft laws will be prepared to incorporate these amendments prior to the next local government elections, the President said.