Applicability of local good governance model in decision making at local government system of Sri Lanka: a study with special reference to Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha

Abstract

This study attempts to explore the applicability of the local good governance model in decision making at local government system, especially at the Valikamam east pradeshiya sabha. The study defines problems in the local government system viz lack of awareness of staff and representatives of the pradeshiya sabha on local good governance, inefficient administration of the local council, the political influence on the decision – making process and lack of contribution of the stakeholders in the council’s activities. The objectives of the study are to identify the decision-making process in the local government system and principles of the local good governance model, analyze whether local good governance model is applicable in the decision – making process of the local government and identify strategies and recommendations to enhance local good governance in decision making based on analytical results. The research is based on both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The data of administrative structure, laws and policies of local government, decision-making process, types of decision, ongoing and completed decisions, existing needs, and issues of the local people, and rules and regulations for the monthly meeting of the council were collected by using primary and secondary data sources. For this questionnaire survey, 196 samples were chosen based on the stratified simple random sampling technique to collect data which were analyzed through comparative descriptive analysis, Microsoft excel 2010, statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and suitability analysis. The the study concluded that applicability of local good governance model that is 19, 24 and 57 percentage are respectively satisfactory, good, and not applicable in practical and the study recommends providing awareness on local good governance model to officials and representatives to follow decision with people participation and harmonious political culture in the decision making, reduce the number of decision making in the monthly meeting, enhancing the competency of the stakeholders and reducing the administrative boundary.