A Governor of a Province in Sri Lanka, is the head of the provincial council and representative of the President of Sri Lanka in the province. Established in 1987, under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka and deriving its powers from the Provincial Council Act No 47 of 1987, a governor exercises executive power in respect of subjects devolved to provincial council.[1][2]
Appointment
editThe Governor is appointed by the President for a period of five years and holds the position at the pleasure of the President.[1]
Powers
editProvincial council powers
edit- Governor may address, summon, prorogue and dissolve the provincial council.
- Governor may appoint as Chief Minister, who would be the leader of the political party that commands the majority of the provincial council and the other four Ministers of the Board of Ministers.
- Governor may excises the functions of the provincial council in its absence.
Administrative powers
edit- Administration of the Provincial Council Fund and Emergency Fund of the Province.
- Administration of the Provincial Public Service.
- Administration of the Provincial finances.
- Obtaining Auditor General’s reports
- Appointment of Provincial Public Service Commission
Privileges
editA Provincial Governor is considered equal to a Cabinet Minister in rank and within his/her province the governor is placed after cabinet ministers and the leader of the opposition in the order of precedence.
Salary
editAs per the Provincial Councils (Payment of Salaries and Allowances) Act, No. 37 of 1988, the governor is entitled to monthly salary and allowances equal of a Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers.[3]
Residence and office
editThe Governor is entitled to an official residence, as well as an office and personal staff allocated from the provincial council.
Travel
editAs with a Cabinet Minister, a Governor is entitled to three vehicles, which includes an official vehicle and security vehicle provided and maintained by the provincial council.
Security
editTraditionally security for Governors have been provided by the Sri Lanka Police. During emergencies military units have been allocated to bolster security to certain Governors based on treat levels.
Current governors
edit| Province | Current Governor | Party | Terms Start | Terms End | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central | Sarath Abeykoon | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | [4][5][6][7][8] | |
| Eastern | Jayantha Lal Ratnasekara | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
| North Central | Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
| North Western | Tissa Kumarasiri | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
| Northern | Nagalingam Vedanayagam | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
| Sabaragamuwa | Champa Janaki Rajaratne | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
| Uva | Kapila Jayasekera | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
| Western | Hanif Yusuf | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
| Southern | Bandula Harischandra | Independent | 25 September 2024 | 2029 | ||
Party dominance
edit
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See also
editReferences
edit- "Sri Lankan Provinces from 1988". WorldStatesmen.org. Retrieved 23 August 2008.
- ^ a b "The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka: Chapter XVIIA". Colombo, Sri Lanka: Policy Research & Information Unit, Presidential Secretariat. Archived from the original on 2 May 2016.
- ^ The Governor
- ^ Provincial Councils (Payment of salaries and allowances)
- ^ "New Governors appointed by the President". adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "New Governors appointed". www.dailynews.lk. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "President appoints new Provincial Governors (Full list)". Newswire. 2024-09-25. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "New Governors appointed by President Dissanayake". www.themorning.lk. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "New Governors to Take Oath Today (25)". english.newsfirst.lk. Retrieved 2024-09-25.