Government plans district-level reforms to enhance public service delivery

A conference attended by all District Secretaries in the country has concluded with a focus on resolving district-level issues and improving the efficiency of public service delivery.The conference was held at the main auditorium of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government at "Nila Medura" in Colombo.The first day of the conference was held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, while the second day was chaired by Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor Chandana Abeyratne.During the conference, President Dissanayake announced several key policy decisions, including plans to allocate separate financial provisions for each district in the upcoming budget to enable urgent repairs to bridges, roads and buildings approved by District Coordinating Committees without delays.The President also said arrangements are being made to resettle 13,000 families displaced due to the war next year.He further stressed the importance of completing abandoned housing projects following a proper assessment and ensuring that development activities are carried out while protecting forest conservation areas.President Dissanayake said the government’s priorities include establishing an efficient public service by eliminating unproductive institutions and filling vacancies in essential sectors such as health, education and the Government Analyst’s Department.Meanwhile, discussions chaired by Minister Professor Chandana Abeyratne focused on administrative challenges, including staff shortages at district and divisional secretariat offices, annual transfers of officials and fuel allowance issues.Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage said plans are underway to develop sports facilities in every district, and District Secretaries were briefed on the proposed programmes.The conference also discussed strengthening the Aswesuma welfare payment system, introducing a mechanism to provide tax concessions on agricultural equipment directly to farmers, and reducing delays in approving the leasing of state lands.The conference concluded with an emphasis on strengthening coordination among government institutions and ensuring faster and more effective services for the public.