A total of 13,977 Community Development Councils have been established across the country under the government’s “Prajashakthi” National Poverty Alleviation Programme, with development projects worth Rs. 23,000 million already approved for implementation island-wide.
The projects have been funded from the Rs. 25,000 million allocated through the 2026 Budget for the “Prajashakthi” programme and have been forwarded to district secretaries for implementation. The initiatives focus mainly on livelihood development, strengthening the production economy, and enhancing food security based on priorities identified by Community Development Councils.
The progress of the programme was reviewed during a discussion held today at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of maintaining continuous follow-up on project implementation, monitoring the benefits generated, and evaluating how effectively the programme improves the living standards of rural communities.
Officials informed the President that Community Development Councils had already been established at Grama Niladhari Division level throughout the country, while details regarding financial allocations made to the councils were also presented.
The President was further briefed on steps taken to strengthen information technology infrastructure for “Prajashakthi” units operating at divisional secretariat and district levels.
Officials also presented details of awareness and training programmes currently being conducted across all 25 districts for officers attached to the Community Development Councils.
Among those present at the discussion were Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage, Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and several senior government officials.
