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 edit
The Governor is appointed by the President for a period of five years and holds the position at the pleasure of the President.[1]
Powers edit
Provincial 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 edit
A 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 edit
As 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 edit
The Governor is entitled to an official residence, as well as an office and personal staff allocated from the provincial council.
Travel edit
As 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 edit
Traditionally 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
Independent Sri Lanka Freedom Party Sri Lanka Muslim Congress United National Party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Lanka Sama Samaja Party Communist Party of Sri Lanka
| Province | Current Governor | Party | Terms Start | Terms End | Reference | Past | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central | Lalith U. Gamage | Independent | 21 November 2019 | 2024 | [4][5] | ||
| Eastern | Senthil Thondaman | Ceylon Workers' Congress | 17 May 2023 | 2024 | [6] | ||
| North Central | Maheepala Herath | Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna | 4 December 2019 | 2024 | [6][7] | ||
| North Western | Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena | Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna | 17 May 2023 | 2024 | [6] | ||
| Northern | P. S. M. Charles | Independent | 17 May 2023 | 2024 | [6] | ||
| Sabaragamuwa | Navin Dissanayake | United National Party | 13 June 2023 | 2024 | [4][5] | ||
| Uva | A. J. M. Muzammil | Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna | 31 August 2020 | 2024 | [4][5] | ||
| Western | Roshan Goonetileke | Independent | 24 March 2020 | 2024 | [4][5] | ||
| Southern | Willy Gamage | Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna | 21 November 2019 | 2024 | [4][5] |
Party dominance edit
 |
See also edit
References 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)
- ^ a b c d e admin (2019-11-21). "New Provincial Governors appointed". Colombo Gazette. Retrieved 2019-12-07.
- ^ a b c d e "Six new Governors sworn in – Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka". Retrieved 2019-12-07.
- ^ a b c d "Three provinces get new governors". www.dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ admin (2019-12-04). "Tissa Vitharana among two new Governors appointed". Colombo Gazette. Retrieved 2019-12-07.