SJB censures decision to cut funding for local bodies

Opposition Leader is expected to raise the issue in Parliament this week

By Yohan Perera  

The main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has called on the government to reconsider its decision to reduce funding allocated to local government bodies.  
SJB National Organizer Tissa Attanayake told the Daily Mirror that a recent circular issued by the Ministry of Local Government has informed certain Pradeshiya Sabhas that their funding will be cut by 20 percent.  
“This decision will severely impact local bodies in rural areas,” Attanayake warned. “Pradeshiya Sabhas in districts like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle may be able to compensate through revenue from local rates. However, smaller councils such as Laggala and Ambanganga Korale, which cover limited areas, lack the capacity to generate their own income.”  
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa is expected to raise the issue in Parliament this week, where he will formally request the government to reverse the funding cut, Attanayake added.