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‘Heavily burdened’ Grama Niladharis demand high seat in rural mechanism
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
The Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari National Union (SLGNNU) has raised serious concerns over the government’s plan to establish Praja Sanwardana Sabhas (Community Development Councils), claiming the initiative could weaken the traditional village-level administrative system in favour of political interests.
However, Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Upali Pannilage strongly rejected the allegation.
He said the initiative was designed to empower rural communities through a structured development framework and was not intended to exercise administrative control.
Nevil Wijerathne Pic by Akila Jayawardena
The SLGNNU’s main objection is to the appointment of community empowerment officers, formerly known as economic development officers, as secretaries to newly formed councils, which the union says is unfair and contrary to established administrative practice.
Union General Secretary Neville Wijerathna told the Sunday Times that at the district and divisional levels, the administrative head, the District Secretary or Divisional Secretary, serves as secretary of the relevant committee.
“The same principle should apply at the village level, with the Grama Niladhari serving as the secretary,” he said.
“Grama Niladharis, who have served as the primary administrative officers in Sri Lanka since the time of King Pandukabhaya, are being marginalised by being reduced to mere committee members.’’
When the Sunday Times asked Mr Pannilage, he explained that “while Grama Niladharis are the primary administrative officers at the village level, they are heavily burdened with administrative duties and cannot dedicate the full time commitment required for development coordination.
“We need a full-time officer for this development programme,” Mr Pannilage said, noting that the councils will focus on identifying village needs and liaising with Divisional Coordinating Committees. He confirmed that Grama Niladharis remain essential members of the five-person executive committee alongside Samurdhi and other field officers.
Responding to the Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari Union’s claim that the government had pickpocketed their original proposal to strengthen rural administration, the minister said the initiative was in fact a core component of the government’s policy framework.
He explained that the concept had been developed through extensive research, including his own academic work and a study of international models, and emphasised that the establishment of these councils is a core project outlined in the government’s official policy statement.
He explained that it is not feasible for the Divisional Coordinating Committee chairman to personally attend meetings in all 14,022 Grama Niladhari divisions. The chairman is authorised to appoint a representative or nominee to serve as the council’s chairman.
In this context, the Grama Niladhari Union alleged that in divisions without an elected local government member, the government is bypassing traditional protocols to appoint National People’s Power (NPP) activists as chairmen. The union expressed strong opposition to this, claiming it politicises village development.
Mr Wijerathne warned that “some of these appointees may even have criminal records and have faced disciplinary action or police investigations. We believe this undermines the integrity of the state’s development work.’’
Responding to these concerns, the minister said, “There is a circular with clear guidelines prohibiting the appointment of corrupt individuals or those involved in fraud.”
He explained that while the chairman of the council makes recommendations, the formal appointment is handled through the Divisional Coordinating Committee, where the Divisional Secretary serves as secretary to ensure administrative oversight.
The Praja Sanwardana Sabhas (Community Development Councils) will consist of 25 members, including local professionals, to ensure a diverse and representative planning process for each village.
The 25-member council is made up of five members, including the chairman, community empowerment officer, Grama Niladhari, Samurdhi Development Officer, and an agricultural, fisheries, or plantation officer; five professionals, including doctors, engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs; and 15 community representatives reflecting women, youth, ethnic groups, and all economic strata.
Final membership lists are recommended by the local committee and approved by the Divisional Coordinating Committee.
According to Minister Pannilage, over 10,000 Prajashakthi Councils have already been established, with the remaining 4,000 set to be formed soon. Development proposals approved by these councils will be implemented from the 15th of next month.
However, the Grama Niladhari union has called for talks with the President regarding the councils. They emphasise that they are not opposed to the concept of community empowerment but are against the structure.
Mr Wijerathne warned that if a satisfactory agreement is not reached, the union may advise all Grama Niladharis to withdraw from these committees.
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