The Rural Development Bureau and the Praja Shakthi National Secretariat, operating under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, have jointly launched the national poverty eradication programme, “Praja Shakthi.”

Under the programme, plans are in place to implement at least one development project in every Grama Niladhari division across Sri Lanka.

A total of Rs. 25 billion has been allocated for the programme through the 2026 Budget.

So far, around 15,646 rural development projects have been initiated across the country, with a total financial value of Rs. 22.425 billion.

Of the total projects, 53.2%, or 8,323 projects, have been allocated for livelihood development, while the remaining 46.8%, or 7,323 projects, are focused on infrastructure development.

A progress review of development programmes being implemented in the Nuwara Eliya District was held at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat auditorium under the chairmanship of Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannila.

It was revealed that 786 projects are currently planned for implementation in the Nuwara Eliya District, with a total estimated value of Rs. 997.84 million.

Of these, 263 are livelihood development projects, with an estimated allocation of Rs. 296.19 million.

A further 286 projects have been identified as infrastructure development projects, with an estimated allocation of Rs. 543.22 million.

It was also revealed that Rs. 182.5 million has been allocated for 2026 to provide technical equipment and facilities for Praja Shakthi units established at District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariat levels under the national poverty eradication programme. Each unit has been allocated Rs. 500,000 for this purpose.

In 2025, Rs. 365 million was allocated for the same purpose.

Minister Upali Pannila instructed officials to expedite all development projects and complete them as soon as possible so that they can be handed over to the public.

He also stressed the importance of implementing the projects while maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring that the maximum possible benefits reach the people.