Sri Lanka's Biggest Rural Push Yet -14,000 Villages to Benefit Under Praja Shakthi

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has launched what is being described as one of the most ambitious rural development initiatives in its history, with plans to implement at least one development project in each of the country’s more than 14,000 villages this year under the “Praja Shakthi” programme.

Although originally introduced as “1,000 Villages, 1,000 Projects,” authorities made it clear at the launch that the initiative will expand into a far larger national movement, targeting every village across the island as part of a long-term strategy to tackle poverty and strengthen grassroots economic development.

The programme was officially launched today, with the main inaugural ceremony held in Pinawala, where the rehabilitation of the Ambagaspitiya–Pinnawala irrigation canal in Mahara was commenced under the patronage of Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannilage.

Simultaneously, projects were launched across 1,000 Grama Niladhari divisions, covering all 341 Divisional Secretariat divisions, marking the first phase of a programme that is already being scaled up nationwide. Public representatives and government officials joined communities in multiple locations to kick-start projects tailored to local needs.

Minister Pannilage emphasized that the initiative is designed to go far beyond its initial scope.

“Through this programme, at least one development project will be implemented this year in each of the more than 14,000 villages in our country. Therefore, this is not just 1,000 projects in 1,000 villages, but a national movement that will deliver a minimum of 14,000 projects across 14,000 villages. Through the Provincial Councils, more than Rs. 70,000 million has been allocated in this year’s budget with the aim of accelerating rural development,” he said.

The initiative places strong emphasis on community-led development, with project proposals first identified by Community Development Councils and then submitted to Divisional Development Committees for selection and implementation.

This process is intended to ensure that development priorities reflect the real needs of local communities.

In the Colombo District, the programme was launched in Piliyandala, Nanpamunuwa Hamuge Yaya, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who inaugurated a project to revive abandoned paddy lands.

“We have begun a transformative journey in 2024. To make that transformation successful, we need the government, public officials, and the people. We cannot move forward on separate paths; we must move as one, on a common journey with a shared goal. By listening to each other, engaging in discussions, and sharing ideas, we are bringing everyone together to move forward. Projects such as this help build that unity and shared hope. This is not just a simple project, it carries a big vision, a big expectation, and a big dream,” the Prime Minister said.

Projects under the Praja Shakthi programme were also launched today in several key areas including Galigamuwa, Kandy, and Badulla, as well as across the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

In Kilinochchi’s Ganeshpuram, construction began on a drying facility, while a similar initiative was launched in Marapalam village in Batticaloa.

The programme integrates a wide range of development priorities, including boosting the production economy, enhancing livelihoods, and strengthening food security at the village level, areas that have become increasingly critical in the wake of Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges.