Municipal Councils Ordinance.

This Ordinance provides for establishment, administration and management of municipal councils in Sri Lanka. Part I gives power to the Minister, to declare any area to be a municipality, and for ever municipality, a Municipal Council shall be constituted. Part II contains provisions relating to the election of Councillors and their term of office. Part III provides for election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for each Municipal Council and makes provisions for the meetings and business of the Councils. Part IV lays down the powers and duties of the Municipal Councils. The Ordinance makes provisions in respect of construction and management of streets, acquisition of lands, removing encroachment, powers and duties of councils as to public health, drainage, sanitation, pollution control, slaughter houses, and public markets. There shall be a Municipal Magistrate appointed to each Municipality who shall conduct trials for offences committed within their respective jurisdiction. The provisions for appointment, powers and duties of other officers are laid down. Part IX provides for establishment of Municipal Fund for each Council and Part XI makes provisions for budget, accounts and contracts of the Council. Further, provisions relating to taxes, lease, bye-laws, taking control by centre after dissolving council for incompetence and mismanagement etc., are also provided.