Under the national theme ‘A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life’, the ‘Punarudaye Puravara’ Local Government Week 2026 officially launches today (Sept 14), covering all local government systems across Sri Lanka. Organized and spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, this islandwide initiative will run through September 19.

The primary goal of the week is to break away from traditional bureaucratic frameworks to establish a people-centric, efficient, eco-friendly, and transparent local governance culture while directly engaging citizens in the administration process.

Daily Program Lineup:

  • Monday, September 14: Mobile Services & Revenue Promotion Day

    • Focus: Bringing local government services closer to the public and expanding revenue streams.

    • Key Activities: Mobile service camps across various locations; collection of outstanding assessment taxes and stall rents using simplified payment methods (simplified forms and concessionary schemes).

    • Public Engagement: Collaborating with Divisional Secretariats, health sectors, and the Social Services Department to gather public ideas and complaints to incorporate into upcoming annual budgets.

  • Tuesday, September 15: Public Utilities Day

    • Focus: Community infrastructure and marking International Day of Democracy.

    • Key Activities: Repairing and cleaning public locations including markets, weekly fairs, urban and children's parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, crematoriums, and clock towers.

    • Drought Response & Community Work: Repairing public wells and springs to combat ongoing dry weather conditions; conducting road beautification, street light maintenance, and community cleanup drives (Shramadana) with private sector and civil society participation.

  • Wednesday, September 16: Environment & Tree Plantation Day

    • Focus: Environmental sustainability and marking International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

    • Key Activities: Awareness walks, seminars, and exhibitions involving students and the general public.

    • Green Initiatives: Waste management aligned with 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) concepts, goods exchange fairs, electronic waste collection, mangrove planting, bamboo planting along river and tank banks to prevent erosion, and promoting home gardening using domestic compost.

  • Thursday, September 17: Health & Sanitation Day

    • Focus: Public health and marking World Patient Safety Day.

    • Key Activities: Cleaning hospitals, schools, government offices, and maternity clinics in partnership with MOH offices, the police, and volunteer groups.

    • Dengue & Rabies Control: Fogging and destroying mosquito breeding sites to curb Dengue and Chikungunya; administering anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs.

    • Medical Camps: Free general, eye, and maternity clinics, Ayurvedic clinics for the elderly, psychological counseling sessions, and blood donation drives.

  • Friday, September 18: Literature, Education, Libraries, and Sports Day

    • Focus: Spiritual, intellectual, and physical well-being alongside September's Literary Month.

    • Key Activities: Book exhibitions, reader club promotions, honoring local creators, mobile library services, and online awareness sessions.

    • Sports & Fitness: Sports competitions, promotion of traditional games, and physical fitness programs conducted with regional sports associations, public bodies, and community members.

  • Saturday, September 19: Awarding Certificates & Concluding Ceremony

    • Focus: Grand finale of the week-long program.

    • Key Activities: Awarding certificates and prizes to the winners of all competitions held throughout the week.