Rejecting allegations  the Chairpersons of Praja Shakthi Committees have been given the authority to spend State funds, the Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Ministry stated that the relevant funds would be managed by and disbursed solely to the appropriate Government institutions and officials.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy subject Minister, Wasantha Piyatissa said  the Committees have no role in allocating or controlling public finances and that all financial decisions follow established Government-approved procedures.

"These allegations are completely false. What these Committees do is submit proposals for village-level development projects. Once a proposal is approved, the necessary funds are released through the relevant Government agencies and implemented by the authorised Government officials. No funds are channelled through Committee Chairpersons or political representatives," he said. He further said the role of Committee Chairpersons includes preparing project proposals, assisting in planning development activities, and coordinating local initiatives, and added that they also act as a representative of the Regional Development Committee Chairpersons.

Earlier, Opposition Parliamentarian and Committee on Public Finance member, Dr. Harsha de Silva questioned whether it is lawful to delegate powers to spend State funds to political candidates or their representatives by appointing them as Praja Shakthi Committee Chairpersons. Taking to the social media platform X, he said: "These Committees now decide on Samurdhi, roads, and local projects, shifting control from neutral public servants to politically aligned figures. This raises serious questions on impartiality, accountability, and the potential misuse of public resources. Does this comply with constitutional principles on the delegation of powers and public finance?"