November 23, Colombo (LNW): The Government convened Divisional Secretaries from across the island yesterday (22) for a comprehensive orientation session on Praja Shakthi, its flagship initiative aimed at strengthening social empowerment and ensuring that economic progress is shared more evenly among communities.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on practical implementation at the grassroots and the wider reforms required within the public sector to support the programme.
Officials were briefed on the digital platforms underpinning Praja Shakthi, their responsibilities within the national digital economy agenda, and their role in supporting the “A Nation United” campaign, which targets bribery, corruption and narcotics. The session also emphasised the importance of administrative leadership in delivering services efficiently and with transparency.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr Upali Pannilage, said Praja Shakthi represents a decisive shift from fragmented poverty alleviation schemes of the past. Instead of leaving the issue to a single institution, he said the programme seeks to create a unified national movement, backed by a Presidential Policy Council and an integrated operational structure involving multiple ministries, provincial councils and local authorities. He stressed that development must come from the ground up, driven by genuine community engagement and continuous monitoring of results.
Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, noted that tackling multidimensional poverty remains a key priority under the Government’s new development model. He urged public officials to recognise the responsibility they bear in ensuring that state programmes genuinely reach citizens. Highlighting rising public expectations since recent political changes, he said the public service must evolve and adopt more efficient, people-focused practices.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of the Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne emphasised that digitisation is essential to cutting administrative costs and improving citizen services. He noted that the Government has already committed substantial funds toward digital transformation in 2026 and expects Divisional Secretariats to align fully with this national effort.
Finance Ministry Secretary Dr Harshana Sooriyapperuma outlined that Rs. 180 billion has been earmarked for rural development in the 2026 Budget, including allocations for Praja Shakthi. He said Divisional Secretaries will play a crucial role in pushing economic growth from its current 5% to the targeted 7% over the medium term.
Senior government officials, ministry secretaries and advisers contributed to the discussion, underscoring the shared view that the success of Praja Shakthi depends on effective collaboration across institutions and a shift towards modernised, citizen-centred governance. The session concluded with a renewed call for Divisional Secretaries to embrace new methods, strengthen accountability and lead the transformation expected of the public service.
