- Funds allocated per population and distribution to GN Divisions
- At least 14k+ village-level projects envisioned this year
The Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Ministry stated that Rs. 25 billion has been allocated under the Praja Shakthi programme, covering all Districts based on their population, with District-level funds to be distributed among 14,008 Grama Niladhari (GN) Divisions for development projects.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (12), the Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyatissa said the allocation was made through the 2026 Budget for the first phase of the programme and is intended exclusively for development activities at village level. He said that funds have been apportioned to each District according to their population, after which, the District authorities will allocate the money to all GN Divisions under their purview.
“At least one development project will be implemented in every GN Division. Even if only one project is carried out in each Division, that means 14,008 development projects across the country during the course of this year alone. When the first phase is concluded, the Government will allocate more money for development projects."
He said the Praja Shakthi programme was introduced to address a long-standing issue where local communities were not consulted or involved in development initiatives affecting their villages. He said the new mechanism ensures community participation through structured proposals, and maintains oversight through established Government systems.
Early this week, Piyatissa rejected allegations that the Chairpersons of Praja Shakthi Committees were granted the authority to spend State funds, and stressed that all public funds would be managed and disbursed only through the relevant Government institutions and authorised officials. He said the Committees have no role in allocating or controlling public finances.
The clarifications came amid criticism from Opposition Parliamentarian and Committee on Public Finance Member Dr. Harsha de Silva, who questioned the legality of appointing political candidates or their representatives as Praja Shakthi Committee Chairpersons. de Silva said the Committees were now deciding on matters such as Samurdhi benefits, roads, and local projects, shifting control from public officials to politically aligned figures.