INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The 18th meeting of the Committee on Ways and Means was held in Parliament on Wednesday (22 Nov.) under the Chairmanship of Patali Champika
the Grama Niladhari officials for the implementation of its second phase.Representative officials of the Welfare Benefit Board, Director
Generals of Institutions and Grama Niladhari officials Trade Unions, Sri Lanka United Grama Niladhari officials Association, All Ceylon
Independent Grama Niladhari officials Association, Graduate Grama Niladhari officials Association, Government Grama Niladhari officials
Association, Sri Lanka Administrative Grama Niladhari officials Association, All Ceylon Administrative Grama Niladhari officials
Association, Sri Lanka United Grama Niladhari officials Association were called before this Committee meeting held.It was stated that the
Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government should find a solution for the concerns related to
the service constitution of the Grama Niladhari officials in order to get the services of the Grama Niladhari officials in relation to the
informed that the Committee on Ways and Means is ready to provide the necessary coordination as a facilitator for a discussion held by the
Grama Niladhari officials.The Chair inquired about the issues raised by the Grama Niladhari officials in connection with the benefit program
The Grama Niladhari officials stated that there is a need for a written authorization specifying the specific role expected from the Grama
Niladhari officials in connection with the benefit program
Moreover, the need to appoint administrative Grama Niladhari officials as a supervisory officer in non-obligatory duties was also pointed
It was also emphasized that it is essential to specify in writing the legal protection, the time frame for work responsibilities and the
Patali Champika Ranawaka, pointed out that it is important to have a coordinated program for Aswasuma as previously the government initiated
loan scheme like Saubhagya.The Chair also recommended that a discussion be called for the 332 Administrative Grama Niladhari officials
across Sri Lanka and three each from one Grama Niladhari officials Trade Union to determine accountability, technical changes, allowances,
in relation to obtaining an agreement for the appeal process and implementation of the second phase of the Aswasuma benefit
program.Furthermore, the Chair recommended that the responsibilities of the Grama Niladhari official and administrative Grama Niladhari
official should be given in writing and to consider to review and repeal the sections 21 and 22 of the relevant Act which may punish them
legally when delegating authority to the Grama Niladhari official
The Committee Chair also pointed out the need to get opinions from the grassroots level when setting criteria for such programs.Apart from
this, the human-elephant conflict in Irudeniya area was also discussed at the Committee meeting held.State Minister Hon
Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Members of Parliament Hon
Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, Hon
Wasantha Yapabandara were present at the Committee meeting held.
