Functions and powers of various professional bodies

Project Management
The management of construction projects requires knowledge of modern management
as well as an understanding of the design and construction process. Construction
projects have a specific set of objectives and constraints such as a required time frame
for completion.
Generally, project management is distinguished from the general management of
corporations by the mission-oriented nature of a project. A project organization will
generally be terminated when the mission is accomplished. According to the Project
Management Institute, the discipline of project management can be defined as
follows:
Project management is the art of directing and coordinating human and material
resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to
achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and participation
satisfaction.

Powers and Functions of Local Authorities
Under the existing system, the powers of Local Authorities arc confined to the extent specified in
the respective Acts and Ordinances. Comparatively, Municipal Councils have more powers than
Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas, Generally all three types of Local Authorities have the
power to institute legal action on any matter coming within their purview. In relation to subjects
and functions assigned to Local Authorities by law, they have the power to acquire lands, to
carry out surveys, to enter into contracts to raise funds, to earn expenditure, to purchase material
and equipment and to employ workers. However, all their powers are subject to limitations,
supervision, scrutiny and approval by higher authorities specified in the law. Some of these
powers are curtailed through administrative action and policy directives. Under the existing
system, Local Authorities do not have the advantage of full autonomous powers. They are not
independent in their area of activities.

Local Authorities
The functions assigned to Local Authorities depend on their constitution and form. This
is stated in summary form under Section 04 of both the Municipal Council Ordinance
and Urban Council Ordinance and Section 03 of the Pradeshiya Sabha Act. According to
these laws the functions of Local Authorities are basically centred round the provision of
Public Utility Services, promotion of Public Health and Sanitation and certain community
services. (http://www.localgovforum.lk/policydocs/chapter-2-system-of-local-government-
%E2%80%93-powers-and-functiond/)