The Government will officially launch the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme on 4 July at Temple Trees, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aiming to empower communities and ensure fair economic development.

At the inaugural meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat, Minister Upali Pannilage and key officials discussed operational plans and structures, including the establishment of “Praja Shakthi Councils” and integration of existing community efforts.

The programme, led by a committee of Ministry and Provincial Council Secretaries, focuses on addressing multidimensional poverty, which affects one in 6 Sri Lankans—most of whom live in rural or estate areas.

With strategic targeting and a new structural framework, Praja Shakthi aims to enhance policy formulation, implementation, and social protection systems to uplift vulnerable communities.