2026-02-05 / Adjournment and Adjournment Questions 2026-02-05
Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi raised a series of questions concerning the continued expenditure on Provincial Council Chairmen despite the lapse of those Councils' terms. He questioned the legal basis for Chairmen remaining in office after dissolution or term expiry, and requested detailed financial information on expenditure per Chairman over the past five years, broken down by year and category. He further asked about the duties of Chairmen in such circumstances, whether any Councils currently lack a Chairman, and whether any absence of a Chairman has impaired Council functioning. The Member argued that maintaining salaries, allowances, facilities, and staff for officeholders of effectively inactive bodies constitutes a misuse of public funds and called for a formal policy response to address the matter.
Hon. Presiding Member, I raise the following regarding Provincial Councils.
Although Provincial Councils’ terms have lapsed, substantial public funds are said to be spent on those holding office as Chairmen of the Councils. I ask:
1. On what dates did the terms of each Provincial Council end?
2. After a Provincial Council’s term ends or it is dissolved, on what basis does its Chairman remain in office?
3. How much has been spent on each Provincial Council Chairman over the past five years, by year and expense category?
4. What are the duties of a Chairman after a Council is dissolved or its term ends?
5. Are there Provincial Councils without a Chairman at present? If so, why?
6. Has the absence of a Chairman affected the functioning of any Provincial Council?
I raise this due to public concern. The Chairman is the most senior figure in a Provincial Council, but with Councils inactive, the post has become almost invisible—yet salaries, allowances, facilities, and staff are provided. This disrespects the office, and large sums are spent with no tangible output. A clear answer and a policy step are needed.