A special programme to recognise Divisional Secretariat offices in the Western Province for outstanding performance under the President’s Fund decentralisation initiative was held at the Miloda Auditorium in Colombo, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
The event was held under the patronage of the Speaker and Member of the President’s Fund Board of Governors Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
The programme recognised Divisional Secretariats that recorded the highest level of performance during 2025, following the decentralisation of the President’s Fund aimed at delivering faster and more efficient services to the public.
Accordingly, the Homagama, Kaduwela and Kesbewa Divisional Secretariats in the Colombo District were recognised for their performance, the PMD noted.
In the Gampaha District, the Gampaha, Biyagama and Mahara Divisional Secretariats were recognized, while in the Kalutara District, the Panadura, Beruwala and Bandaragama Divisional Secretariats were similarly acknowledged.
Addressing the ceremony, the Secretary to the President’s Fund and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage said the government had taken steps to decentralise the operations of the President’s Fund to Divisional Secretariat level, transforming it from a Colombo-centred institution into a more people-oriented service.
He noted that Divisional Secretariat offices have now become the public face of the President’s Fund, adding that the initiative had shifted the system from what was previously perceived as “Take It If You Can” to one that “Brings It to You”.
Gamage said the decentralisation process began on February 7, 2025, marking one year since the initiative was extended beyond Colombo.
He said Divisional Secretariat staff, including Divisional Secretaries, assistant officers, accountants, and Grama Niladharis, had played a key role in implementing the programme despite various challenges.
He added that the recognition programme was introduced to acknowledge their contribution, beginning with the Western Province, noting that historically around two-thirds of all applications to the President’s Fund originate from the region.
Gamage further said that medical assistance and other services had also been decentralised from June, ensuring that vulnerable members of the public no longer need to travel to Colombo to access support.
He also stated that the reform process was intended to improve transparency and ensure equal treatment of beneficiaries, noting that in the past, inconsistencies and inadequate documentation had been reported in the allocation of assistance.
The event was attended by President’s Fund Board members S. C. Mayadunna and Emeritus Professor J. Jayakody, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, S. Aloka Bandara, and district and divisional level officials.
