Provincial Governors of Sri Lanka
A Governor of a Province in Sri Lanka, is the head of the provincial council and representative of the President of Sri Lanka in the province. Established in 1987, under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka and deriving its powers from the Provincial Council Act No 47 of 1987, a governor exercises executive power in respect of subjects devolved to provincial council.
Appointment
The Governor is appointed by the President for a period of five years and holds the position at the pleasure of the President.Powers
Provincial council powers
- Governor may address, summon, prorogue and dissolve the provincial council.
- Governor may appoint as Chief Minister, who would be the leader of the political party that commands the majority of the provincial council and the other four Ministers of the Board of Ministers.
- Governor may excises the functions of the provincial council in its absence.
Administrative powers
- Administration of the Provincial Council Fund and Emergency Fund of the Province.
- Administration of the Provincial Public Service.
- Administration of the Provincial finances.
- Obtaining Auditor General’s reports
- Appointment of Provincial Public Service Commission
Privileges
Salary
As per the Provincial Councils Act, No. 37 of 1988, the governor is entitled to monthly salary and allowances equal of a Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers.Residence and office
The Governor is entitled to an official residence, as well as an office and personal staff allocated from the provincial council.Travel
As with a Cabinet Minister, a Governor is entitled to three vehicles, which includes an official vehicle and security vehicle provided and maintained by the provincial council.Security
Traditionally security for Governors have been provided by the Sri Lanka Police. During emergencies military units have been allocated to bolster security to certain Governors based on treat levels.Current governors
| Province | Current Governor | Party | Terms Start | Terms End | Reference | Past | |
| Central | Lalith U Gamage | Independent | 21 November 2019 | 2024 | |||
| Eastern | Anuradha Yahampath | Independent | 04 December 2019 | 2024 | |||
| North Central | Tissa Vitharana | Lanka Sama Samaja Party | 04 December 2019 | 2024 | |||
| North Western | A. J. M. Muzammil | Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna | 21 November 2019 | 2024 | |||
| Northern | P. S. M. Charles | Independent | 30 December 2019 | 2024 | |||
| Sabaragamuwa | Tikiri Kobbekaduwa | Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna | 21 November 2019 | 2024 | |||
| Uva | Raja Collure | Communist Party of Sri Lanka | 21 November 2019 | 2024 | |||
| Western | Seetha Arambepola | Independent | 2024 | ||||
| Southern | Willy Gamage | Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna | 21 November 2019 | 2024 |