The "Praja Shakthi – Gam Dahasaka Wada Dahasak" (A Thousand Projects in a Thousand Villages) program, implemented under the "Praja Shakthi" National Initiative aimed at eradicating multidimensional poverty among the rural population, begins today (02).
An allocation of Rs. 25,000 million has been set aside to implement identified projects under this program. As the initial phase, 1,000 projects are scheduled to be launched simultaneously across the island.
Key Launch Details
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Main Ceremony: Held at 9:00 AM in the Pinwala area of the Ambagaspitiya Grama Niladhari Division, within the Mahara Divisional Secretariat Division of the Gampaha District.
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Chief Guest: Dr. Upali Pannilage, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment.
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Island-wide Launch: Parallel district-level main programs will launch across the island, headed by the respective District Coordinating Committee Chairpersons.
Under the main program centered in the Gampaha District, the restoration of the Pinwala Amuna (anicut) and the construction of its retaining walls will be carried out. In addition, arrangements have been made to start at least 3 to 5 projects in every Divisional Secretariat Division.
Project Scope and Implementation
The Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment stated that the necessary funds have already been released to the districts. These funds will support projects identified by the Community Development Councils—which have been established in all Grama Niladhari Divisions under the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Initiative—focusing on strengthening:
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The production economy
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Food security
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Livelihood development
The Ministry highlights that these projects will be implemented with the participation of Community Development Council members, government officials, and representatives of supporting agencies, marking a significant step toward the economic and social empowerment of the rural population.
