Essential Services Commissioner General Prabath Chandrakeerthi has requested a comprehensive investigation and the submission of a report into allegations that the Udapalatha Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) remained closed for five consecutive days, allegedly neglecting its official duties instead of providing relief to communities affected by recent severe adverse weather conditions.
When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Chandrakeerthi confirmed that he had requested a probe into the matter around two weeks ago, following information received from Udapalatha Divisional Secretary Athma Dilukshi Jayarathne.
The complaint alleges that the PS was kept closed, preventing the utilisation of public property for the benefit of disaster-affected communities.
Following this, Chandrakeerthi said he had written to the Ministry of Public Administration Secretary, while also copying the Ministry of Local Government Secretary and Divisional Secretariat. When asked whether the report had been received, he said it was yet to be submitted to him.
“Further action can be taken after receiving the report. Action can be taken under the Emergency Regulations, as failure to perform official duties during a disaster situation, in violation of Emergency Regulations, constitutes a punishable offence,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Secretary S. Aloka Bandara told The Sunday Morning that a report on the matter had been forwarded to the Central Province Local Government Commissioner. However, he declined to disclose the findings of the report.
“Based on that, action can be taken by the Governor and other relevant authorities, as they have the powers in this regard,” Bandara said.
At the most recent Local Government Elections, the National People’s Power secured 18 seats in the Udapalatha PS. However, Opposition parties collectively formed an alliance with the support of 28 councillors and elected the candidate who contested under the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) symbol as Chair.
Under an extraordinary gazette dated 28 November 2025, the President declared a State of Emergency in terms of the Public Security Ordinance, designating services provided by Local Government authorities as essential services.
Chandrakeerthi was appointed Commissioner General of Essential Services on 30 November 2025 to oversee, coordinate, and maintain vital services, such as electricity, fuel, and hospital operations under Emergency Regulations.