Divisional secretariats of Sri Lanka

{{Short description|Third-level administrative divisions of Sri Lanka}} {{Politics of Sri Lanka}} [[File:Sri Lanka divisions.png|right|thumb|260px|Provinces (black) are divided into districts (grey), which are further divided into divisional secretariats (white). These are then further divided into Grama Niladharis (not marked on the map).]] The districts of Sri Lanka are further divided into administrative sub-units known as divisional secretariats ({{Langx|Si|ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කොට්ඨාස|Prādēśīya lēkam koṭṭhāsa}} ; {{Langx|Ta|பிரதேச செயலகங்கள்|Piratēca ceyalakaṅkaḷ}}). They were originally based on the feudal counties, the ''korales'' and ''rata''s. Divisional secretariats are the third-level administrative divisions of the country and there are currently{{as of?|date=August 2023}} 331 divisional secretariats in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grama Niladhari Administration Division |url=http://www.pubad.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=19&layout=blog&Itemid=65&lang=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914121553/http://www.pubad.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=19&layout=blog&Itemid=65&lang=en |archive-date=14 September 2016 |access-date=23 June 2016}}</ref>

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|date=August 2023}} the divisions are administered by a divisional secretary, and are known as D.S. divisions.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Peebles |first=Patrick |url=https://www.google.ch/books/edition/Historical_Dictionary_of_Sri_Lanka/50igCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=sri+lanka+divisional+secretariat&pg=PA121&printsec=frontcover |title=Historical Dictionary of Sri Lanka |date=2015-10-22 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4422-5585-2 |language=en}}</ref>

== History == 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.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fernando |first1=J.L. |url=https://archive.org/details/srilankacountrys00fern |title=Sri Lanka: A Country Study |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1985 |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Public Administration in Sri Lanka |url=https://www.gov.lk/history-administration |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gunawardena |first1=R. |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501000000/http://www.colombouniversity.lk/publications/decentralization.pdf |title=Decentralization and Governance in Sri Lanka |publisher=Colombo University Press |year=2006 |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref>

Today, there are '''331 Divisional Secretariats''' across Sri Lanka, each managed by a '''Divisional Secretary''' appointed by the central government.<ref name="LGF22" /> Their functions continue to evolve in response to governance needs and development priorities.

== Administrative Structure of Divisional Secretariats in Sri Lanka ==

=== 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Divisional Secretaries Act, Sri Lanka |url=https://www.lawnet.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/Law%20Site/4-stats_1956_2006/set4/1992Y0V0C58A.html |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref> * '''Regulatory and Legal Responsibilities''': Oversight of land administration, birth and death registration, and issuing permits.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Role of Divisional Secretariats in Local Administration |url=https://ethesisarchive.library.tu.ac.th/thesis/2015/TU_2015_5723040076_4945_3658.pdf |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref> * '''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''<ref name="LGF2">{{cite book |url=http://www.localgovforum.lk/policydocs/chapter-2-system-of-local-government-–-powers-and-functiond/ |title=Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Local Government Reforms |year=1999 |chapter=Chapter 2 – System of Local Government – Powers and Functions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507061931/http://www.localgovforum.lk/policydocs/chapter-2-system-of-local-government-%E2%80%93-powers-and-functiond/ |archive-date=7 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

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'''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Urban Councils Ordinance |url=https://www.srilankalaw.lk/u/1578-urban-councils-ordinance.html |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref>

===== 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=PAFFREL Election Monitoring Report |url=https://www.paffrel.com/images/violence%20summary%20sheet/new/129.pdf |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref>

=== Powers and Functions of Divisional Councils === Divisional Councils have '''legal authority''' to:

* Initiate '''legal action''' against violators of '''local ordinances'''.

== Divisional secretariats == The 331 divisions are listed below, by district: {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! Province !! {{Abbr|<nowiki>#</nowiki>|Total number of divisional secretariats in the province}} !! District !! {{Abbr|<nowiki>#</nowiki>|Total number of divisional secretariats in the district}} !! style="width: 65em;" | Divisional secretariats<br>(number of further subdivisions/''Grama Niladharis'' under the divisional secretariat, are shown in parentheses) |- | rowspan=3 | {{Nowrap|Central}} || rowspan=3 | 36 || {{Nowrap|Kandy}} || 20 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Akurana * Delthota * Doluwa * Gangawata Korale * Ganga Ihala Korale * Harispattuwa * Hatharaliyadda * Kundasale * Medadumbara * Minipe * Panvila * Pasbage Korale * Pathadumbara * Pathahewaheta * Poojapitiya * Thumpane * Udadumbara * Udapalatha * Udunuwara * Yatinuwara{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Matale}} || 11 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Ambanganga Korale * Dambulla * Galewela * Laggala-Pallegama * Matale * Naula * Pallepola * Rattota * Ukuwela * Wilgamuwa * Yatawatta{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Nuwara Eliya}} || 10 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Ambagamuwa * Hanguranketha * Kothmale * Nuwara Eliya * Walapane * Norwood * Kothmale West * Nildandahinna * Thalawakale * Mathurata{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=3 | {{Nowrap|Eastern}} || rowspan=3 | 45 || {{Nowrap|Ampara}} || 20 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Addalachchenai * Akkaraipattu * Alayadiwembu * Ampara * Damana * Dehiattakandiya * Eragama * Kalmunai Muslim * Kalmunai Tamil * Karaitivu * Lahugala * Mahaoya * Navithanveli * Ninthavur * Padiyathalawa * Pothuvil * Sainthamarathu * Samanthurai * Thirukkovil * Uhana{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Batticaloa}} || 14 || align="left" |{{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Eravur Pattu * Eravur Town * Kattankudy * Koralai Pattu * Koralai Pattu Central * Koralai Pattu North * Koralai Pattu South * Koralai Pattu West * Manmunai North * Manmunai Pattu * Manmunai S. and Eruvil Pattu * Manmunai South West * Manmunai West * Porativu Pattu{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Trincomalee}} || 11 || align="left" |{{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Gomarankadawala * Kantalai * Kinniya * Kuchchaveli * Morawewa * Muttur * Padavi Sri Pura * Seruvila * Thambalagamuwa * Trincomalee * Verugal{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=2 | {{Nowrap|North Central}} || rowspan=2 | 29 || {{Nowrap|Anuradhapura}} || 22 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Galnewa (30) * Galenbindunuwewa (41) * Horowpothana (38) * Ipalogama (32) * Kahatagasdigiliya (40) * Kebithigollewa (26) * Kekirawa (53) * Mahavilachchiya (17) * Medawachchiya (37) * Mihinthale (25) * Nachchadoowa (19) * Nochchiyagama (36) * Nuwaragam Palatha Central (40) * Nuwaragam Palatha East (29) * Padaviya (15) * Palagala (35) * Palugaswewa (16) * Rajanganaya (21) * Rambewa (38) * Thalawa (39) * Thambuttegama (26) * Thirappane (41){{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Polonnaruwa}} || 7 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Dimbulagala * Elahera * Hingurakgoda * Lankapura * Medirigiriya * Thamankaduwa * Welikanda{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=5 | {{Nowrap|Northern}} || rowspan=5 | 34 || {{Nowrap|Jaffna}} || 15 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Delft * Island North * Island South * Jaffna * Karainagar * Nallur * Thenmaradchi * Vadamaradchi East * Vadamaradchi North * Vadamaradchi South-West * Valikamam East * Valikamam North * Valikamam South * Valikamam South-West * Valikamam West{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Kilinochchi}} || 4 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Kandavalai * Karachchi * Pachchilaipalli * Poonakary{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Mannar}} || 5 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Madhu * Mannar * Manthai West * Musalai * Nanaddan{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Mullaitivu}} || 6 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Manthai East * Maritimepattu * Oddusuddan * Puthukudiyiruppu * Thunukkai * Welioya{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Vavuniya}} || 4 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Vavuniya * Vavuniya North * Vavuniya South * Vengalacheddikulam{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=2 | {{Nowrap|North Western}} || rowspan=2 | 46 || {{Nowrap|Kurunegala}} || 30 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Alawwa * Ambanpola * Bamunakotuwa * Bingiriya * Ehetuwewa * Galgamuwa * Ganewatta * Giribawa * Ibbagamuwa * Katupotha * Kobeigane * Kotavehera * Kuliyapitiya East * Kuliyapitiya West * Kurunegala * Mahawa * Mallawapitiya * Maspotha * Mawathagama * Narammala * Nikaweratiya * Panduwasnuwara * Pannala * Polgahawela * Polpithigama * Rasnayakapura * Rideegama * Udubaddawa * Wariyapola * Weerambugedara{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Puttalam}} || 16 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Anamaduwa * Arachchikattuwa * Chilaw * Dankotuwa * Kalpitiya * Karuwalagaswewa * Madampe * Mahakumbukkadawala * Mahawewa * Mundalama * Nattandiya * Nawagattegama * Pallama * Puttalam * Vanathavilluwa * Wennappuwa{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=2 | {{Nowrap|Sabaragamuwa}} || rowspan=2 | 28 || {{Nowrap|Kegalle}} || 11 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Aranayaka * Bulathkohupitiya * Dehiovita * Deraniyagala * Galigamuwa * Kegalle * Mawanella * Rambukkana * Ruwanwella * Warakapola * Yatiyanthota{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Ratnapura}} || 17 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Ayagama * Balangoda * Eheliyagoda * Elapattha * Embilipitiya * Godakawela * Imbulpe * Kahawatta * Kalawana * Kiriella * Kolonna * Kuruvita * Nivithigala * Opanayaka * Pelmadulla * Ratnapura * Weligepola{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=3 | {{Nowrap|Southern}} || rowspan=3 | 47 || {{Nowrap|Galle}} || 19 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Akmeemana * Ambalangoda * Baddegama * Balapitiya * Benthota * Bope-Poddala * Elpitiya * Galle * Gonapinuwala * Habaraduwa * Hikkaduwa * Imaduwa * Karandeniya * Nagoda * Neluwa * Niyagama * Thawalama * Welivitiya-Divithura * Yakkalamulla{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Hambantota}} || 12 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Ambalantota * Angunakolapelessa * Beliatta * Hambantota * Katuwana * Lunugamvehera * Okewela * Sooriyawewa * Tangalle * Thissamaharama * Walasmulla * Weeraketiya{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Matara}} || 16 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Akuressa * Athuraliya * Devinuwara * Dickwella * Hakmana * Kamburupitiya * Kirinda Puhulwella * Kotapola * Malimbada * Matara * Mulatiyana * Pasgoda * Pitabeddara * Thihagoda * Weligama * Welipitiya{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=2 | {{Nowrap|Uva}} || rowspan=2 | 26 || {{Nowrap|Badulla}} || 15 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Badulla * Bandarawela * Ella * Haldummulla * Hali-Ela * Haputale * Kandaketiya * Lunugala * Mahiyanganaya * Meegahakivula * Passara * Rideemaliyadda * Soranathota * Uva-Paranagama * Welimada{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Moneragala}} || 11 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Badalkumbura * Bibile * Buttala * Katharagama * Madulla * Medagama * Moneragala * Sevanagala * Siyambalanduwa * Thanamalvila * Wellawaya{{div col end}} |- | rowspan=3 | {{Nowrap|Western}} || rowspan=3 | 40 || {{Nowrap|Colombo}} || 13 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Colombo (35) * Dehiwala (15) * Homagama (81) * Kaduwela (57) * Kesbewa (73) * Kolonnawa (46) * Kotte (20) * Maharagama (41) * Moratuwa (42) * Padukka (46) * Ratmalana (13) * Seethawaka (68) * Thimbirigasyaya (29){{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Gampaha}} || 13 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Attanagalla * Biyagama * Divulapitiya * Dompe * Gampaha * Ja-Ela * Katana * Kelaniya * Mahara * Minuwangoda * Mirigama * Negombo * Wattala{{div col end}} |- | {{Nowrap|Kalutara}} || 14 || align="left" | {{div col|small=yes|colwidth=15em}} * Agalawatta * Bandaragama * Beruwala * Bulathsinhala * Dodangoda * Horana * Ingiriya * Kalutara * Madurawela * Mathugama * Millaniya * Palindanuwara * Panadura * Walallavita{{div col end}} |- |}

== See also == * Provinces of Sri Lanka * Districts of Sri Lanka

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [http://www.ds.gov.lk Divisional Secretariats Portal] * [http://www.statoids.com/ylk.html Statoids: Divisions of Sri Lanka]

{{Divisional Secretariats of Sri Lanka}} {{Geography of Sri Lanka}} {{Sri Lanka topics}}

Category:Sri Lanka geography-related lists Category:Lists of subdivisions of Sri Lanka