Urban Government Act 1969 (No. 8 of 1969).

In every municipality there shall be a municipal or town council, constituted according to the procedure set out in Part II, and which shall be managed in compliance with the provisions of Part VI. The council shall: (a) control, manage and administer the municipality; (b) maintain all public streets and open spaces; (c) abate all public nuisances; (d) safeguard public health; (e) establish or take over and maintain its resources and any public utility service; (f) develop, control and manage any land vested in, owned or leased by the council; (g) establish or take over and administer housing schemes; (h) generally promote the welfare of the municipality. A council may, with the consent of the Minister for Local Administration, by agreement acquire, purchase or take on lease any land, right of way, water-right or any property or servitude for the purpose of any of its functions. If the council is unable to do so by agreement it may with prior approval of the Minister effect a compulsory acquisition upon payment of compensation. A council may also dispose of any immovable property owned by or vested in the council under the conditions established in section 65. The council may appoint committees for any general and special purposes and may delegate to the committees so appointed: (a) the power to levy rates; (b) the power to borrow money; (c) the power to make by-laws; (d) any other power required to be exercised by the council.