Divisional secretariats of Sri Lanka

The districts of Sri Lanka are further divided into administrative sub-units known as divisional secretariats (Sinhala: ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කොට්ඨාස, romanized: Prādēśīya lēkam koṭṭhāsa ; Tamil: பிரதேச செயலகங்கள், romanized: Piratēca ceyalakaṅkaḷ). They were originally based on the feudal counties, the korales and ratas. Divisional secretariats are the third-level administrative divisions of the country and there are currently^{[as of?]} 331 divisional secretariats in Sri Lanka.^[1]

They were formerly known as D.R.O. divisions, after the divisional revenue officer. Later the D.R.O.s became assistant government agents and the divisions were known as A.G.A. divisions. Currently,^[when?] the divisions are administered by a divisional secretary, and are known as D.S. divisions.^[2]

History

Summarize

Perspective

Divisional Secretariats in Sri Lanka were formerly known as D.R.O. divisions, named after the Divisional Revenue Officers, who were responsible for revenue collection and administrative matters. The D.R.O. system was a continuation of the colonial administration model used by the British, who divided the country into administrative units to ensure efficient tax collection and governance.^[3]

Following Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, the government introduced the Assistant Government Agent (A.G.A.) system, replacing the D.R.O. divisions. A.G.A.s were responsible for regional administration and worked under the authority of the Government Agent (G.A.) at the district level.^[4]

In 1992, as part of decentralization efforts, A.G.A. divisions were renamed as Divisional Secretariats. The role of Divisional Secretaries expanded beyond revenue collection to include functions such as:

Development Planning – Overseeing economic and social development projects.
Public Service Delivery – Coordinating services such as issuing identity documents and land administration.
Disaster Management – Responding to emergencies and coordinating relief efforts.^[5]

Today, there are 331 Divisional Secretariats across Sri Lanka, each managed by a Divisional Secretary appointed by the central government.^[6] Their functions continue to evolve in response to governance needs and development priorities.

Administrative Structure of Divisional Secretariats in Sri Lanka

Summarize

Perspective

Divisional Secretary

A Divisional Secretary is the chief administrative officer of a Divisional Secretariat and is appointed by the central government. The Divisional Secretary is responsible for implementing government policies, managing public services, and ensuring the administration of development projects at the divisional level.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Functions: Implementation of government policies, development programs, and coordination of public services.^[7]
Regulatory and Legal Responsibilities: Oversight of land administration, birth and death registration, and issuing permits.^[8]
Coordination Role: Acts as an intermediary between the Central Government, Provincial Councils, and local authorities, ensuring smooth governance.

Divisional Councils (Pradeshiya Sabhas) and Their Leadership

Divisional Councils, known as Pradeshiya Sabhas, function as local government bodies overseeing the administration of their respective Divisional Secretariat areas. These councils derive their powers from multiple Acts and Ordinances, including:

Municipal Council Ordinance No. 29 of 1947
Urban Councils Ordinance No. 61 of 1939
Pradeshiya Sabha Act No. 15 of 1987^[9]

Unlike Urban and Municipal Councils, Divisional Councils have limited legislative and executive powers, as their authority is subordinate to both the Central Government and Provincial Councils. Additionally, state institutions such as the District Secretary also exercise powers similar to local authorities.

Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Divisional Councils

Each Divisional Council is led by an elected Chairman and a Deputy Chairman, both chosen from the council members.

Chairman:

Presides over council meetings.
Oversees the implementation of council decisions.
Represents the council in official matters.
Serves as a Justice of the Peace and Unofficial Magistrate for the district.
Has limited executive powers compared to Municipal Council mayors.^[10]

Deputy Chairman:

Assists the Chairman in executing council decisions.
Presides over council meetings in the Chairman's absence.
Ensures continuity of governance and service delivery.^[11]

Powers and Functions of Divisional Councils

Divisional Councils have legal authority to:

Initiate legal action against violators of local ordinances.