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Thedistricts of Sri Lanka are further divided into administrative sub-units known as divisional secretariats (Sinhala:ප්රාදේශීය ලේකම් කොට්ඨාස,romanized: Prādēśīya lēkam koṭṭhāsa ;Tamil:பிரதேச செயலகங்கள்,romanized: Piratēca ceyalakaṅkaḷ). They were originally based on the feudalcounties, thekorales andratas. Divisional secretariats are the third-level administrative divisions of the country and there are currently[as of?] 331 divisional secretariats in Sri Lanka.[1]
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?] the divisions are administered by a divisional secretary, and are known as D.S. divisions.[2]
Divisional Secretariats in Sri Lanka were formerly known asD.R.O. divisions, named after theDivisional Revenue Officers, who were responsible for revenue collection and administrative matters. TheD.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.[3]
Following Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, the government introduced theAssistant 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 theGovernment Agent (G.A.) at the district level.[4]
In 1992, as part of decentralization efforts, A.G.A. divisions were renamed asDivisional Secretariats. The role of Divisional Secretaries expanded beyond revenue collection to include functions such as:
Today, there are331 Divisional Secretariats across Sri Lanka, each managed by aDivisional Secretary appointed by the central government.[6] Their functions continue to evolve in response to governance needs and development priorities.
ADivisional Secretary is the chief administrative officer of aDivisional Secretariat and is appointed by thecentral 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:
Divisional Councils, known asPradeshiya Sabhas, function aslocal government bodies overseeing the administration of their respectiveDivisional Secretariat areas. These councils derive their powers frommultiple Acts and Ordinances, including:
UnlikeUrban and Municipal Councils, Divisional Councils havelimited legislative and executive powers, as their authority is subordinate to both theCentral Government and Provincial Councils. Additionally, state institutions such as theDistrict Secretary also exercise powers similar to local authorities.
EachDivisional Council is led by anelected Chairman and aDeputy Chairman, both chosen from the council members.
Divisional Councils havelegal authority to:
The 331 divisions are listed below, by district:
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