President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for the integration of political leaders and public officials into a unified system to accelerate development and uplift the people’s standard of living. Speaking at the Hambantota District Special Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday (11) at the District Secretariat auditorium, the President emphasised that “no one can work in isolation” and urged all parties to support the government’s initiatives aimed at serving the public interest.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake conducted a comprehensive review of district development issues in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, education, health, rural roads, irrigation, and land use. Despite a Rs. 574 millionallocation to Hambantota under the 2025 Southern Province Development Programme, it was revealed that only Rs. 23 million — just 4% — had been utilised so far. The President questioned officials over the poor progress and stressed the urgency of effectively using the funds to meet public needs within this year.
The President criticised irregular land allocations and directed officials to develop a system where land is granted to individuals for productive economic purposes, not to agencies for bureaucratic ownership. He also instructed a comprehensive review of the district’s school system, calling for a data-driven, realistic education plan that ensures quality and equitable access.
President Dissanayake further noted that challenges in the public service, including staff shortages, would be addressed through the recruitment of 30,000 new public servants after a five-year hiatus. He assured that provisions would be made in the upcoming budget to equip Divisional Secretaries and officials with essential vehicles for administrative work.
The digitalisation agenda was another key focus, with the President stressing that development today is measured by technology, not buildings. He announced that September will be declared the “Month of Digital Culture”, marking a national campaign to foster digital awareness and transformation. He highlighted the introduction of the Digital IDas a milestone in redefining Sri Lanka’s global identity.
The Hambantota Elephant Management Reserve and the implementation of an elephant corridor project were also discussed, with the President affirming his commitment to acquiring necessary lands for wildlife conservation. Additionally, he vowed to secure Rs. 70 million in funding for the completion of the kidney unit at Hambantota District General Hospital.
The session concluded with the participation of several key officials and MPs, including Governor Bandula Harischandra, MPs Nihal Galappaththi, Aravinda Witharana, Athula Welandagoda, and Saliya Sandaruwan Madurasinghe, as well as Provincial Deputy Minister Ruwan Prabha Senarath, and senior government and security officials from the Hambantota District.
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