January 12, Colombo (LNW): In a pivotal step towards comprehensive national development, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena spearheaded the inaugural meeting at the Parliament complex on January 11th, marking the initiation of the development programme under the 2024 decentralized budgetary allocation. Covering all districts across the country, this strategic initiative aims to identify and implement relevant development projects through regional and district coordination committees.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that proposals at the district level should be submitted by January 31, 2024, with approved projects scheduled for completion before July 31 of the same year. The decentralized budget program allocates a total of 11,250 million rupees for projects across all 25 districts. Oversight of the entire program falls under the purview of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Weekly reviews at regional and district levels, along with national-level monitoring by the Treasury’s Project Management and Oversight Department, ensure the efficient progress of the program. Regular updates will be submitted to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, addressing the gathering, expressed the government’s expectation to implement projects that benefit all citizens equally. He stressed the importance of balanced development, considering factors such as poverty, population distribution, and geographical size in square miles within each district. The Prime Minister underscored the need for uninterrupted progress in the development program and urged officials to promptly inform the President’s Office in case of any disruptions.
Gunawardena highlighted the stabilization of the country’s economy due to the President’s initiatives and called on everyone to continue dedicating themselves to advancing economic stability and achieving the government’s development goals.
Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Chief Organizer of the ruling party, encouraged active participation in district development committees, emphasizing the submission of development proposals. He urged stakeholders to focus on providing tangible benefits without resorting to accusations about inadequate funding for development activities. Minister Ranatunga noted that, given the current non-functioning of local government institutions, the program will also include provincial council development projects, with the pilot program already underway in the Gampaha district.
The meeting saw the participation of Ministers, Governors, District Coordination Committee and Regional Development Committee chairpersons, Parliamentarians, and officials from various government offices, underlining the collective commitment to driving inclusive and impactful development nationwide.
