Community Development Councils Play a Key Role in Utilising Government Funds Allocated for Rural Development - Secretary to the President
The Prajashakthi National Movement, introduced by the new government to eradicate poverty and ensure economic justice through social empowerment, is now being implemented successfully across all districts of the country. In order to further strengthen and effectively implement its programmes, plans are underway to introduce a new digital system to support the initiative.
This was stated at an awareness programme held today (24) at Temple Trees for Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors of Planning serving in all Divisional Secretariat divisions island wide, focusing on the implementation of the Prajashakthi National Programme.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated that the Prajashakthi National Movement is the flagship poverty eradication and development programme being implemented by the new government.
He noted that approximately Rs. 180 billion has been allocated for rural development in 2026 through budget estimates and budget proposals. He further emphasised that Community Development Councils established at the Grama Niladhari division level have been entrusted with a special and crucial role in effectively utilising these funds. The Secretary to the President also stressed that the successful, efficient and productive implementation of these initiatives places a significant responsibility on the Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors of Planning attached to Divisional Secretariat divisions, underscoring their key role in translating national policy into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara stated that Community Development Councils have already commenced work to identify development proposals for 2026, prioritise those proposals and formulate Integrated Village Development Plans incorporating the selected projects.
He further briefed the Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors of Planning attending the programme on the procedures to be followed by Community Development Councils, highlighting the importance of preparing Integrated Village Development Plans that reflect proposals and ideas representing the entire community. In addition, he explained the methodology for accurately identifying projects and prioritising them on a sound scientific basis, emphasising the need for systematic planning to ensure effective and sustainable development outcomes.
He also held detailed discussions on the technical requirements essential for effectively carrying out this process.
Former High Court Judge and Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Mr. Ranga Dissanayake, speaking at the event, emphasised the critical importance of eliminating bribery and corruption within the public service to uphold integrity and good governance and highlighted the responsibility and accountability of public officials in advancing societal progress.
Meanwhile, Mr. Somasiri Ekanayake, Director of the Presidential Secretariat, provided a detailed explanation of the roles, responsibilities and duties assigned to Deputy and Assistant Planning Directors in the implementation of the Prajashakthi National Movement.
An introduction to project management and the digital system of the Prajashakthi Programme was delivered by Senior Assistant Secretary Ms. Saradanjali Manoharan.
In addition, a discussion session was held with the participation of relevant officials to address issues faced by officers in implementing the Prajashakthi National Movement and to further clarify matters requiring attention in the forthcoming stages.
The event was attended by Secretary Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Aloka Bandara, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security & Community Empowerment Menaka Herath, Additional Secretaries to the President Nalin Wanasinghe and Rohan Jayathilaka, Secretary to the Finance Commission A. T. M. U. D. P. Thennakoon, Director General of the National Budget Department Jude Nilukshan, Additional Director General of the National Planning Department Darshani de Silva, Assistant Director of the National Budget Department Irudini Weerakoon as well as Directors and Assistant Directors of the Prajashakthi Secretariat, Directors of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security & Community Empowerment and other participants.
