Southern Province Council

The establishment of the Provincial Councils in 1987 can be seen as the center of the historical power struggle in Sri Lanka and a step towards decentralization of power. Accordingly, in a special gazette notification issued by the Government on 3rd February 1988, a Provincial Council was established for each province subject to the provisions of the Constitution. The Northern and Eastern Provinces were merged to form the Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils.

The first Provincial Council of the Southern Province was established on 09.06.1988 and its first Governor was Hon. Mr. Bakir Marker. Hon. Chief Minister was Mr.Amarasiri and Mr. G.W. Seneviratne was the first Hon. Chairman of the Southern Provincial Council. The term of office of the first Provincial Council ended on 16.03.1993.

The Second Provincial Council commenced on 17.05.1993 and lasted for a short period till 31.12.1993. Its Honorary Governor was Mr. M.A. Bakir Marker and the Hon. Chief Minister was Mr. Amarasiri Dodangoda. Mr. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was the Hon. Chairman of the Southern Provincial Council.