President launches ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme today

This comprehensive national-level initiative is designed to align with the Government’s vision of a “Prosperous Country. A Secured Life” and will be carried out under an integrated and inclusive organizational structure. It adopts a multi-pronged approach to tackle poverty, combining social security, economic participation, and grassroots-level governance.

Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Upali Pannilage, stated that the programme will focus on engaging vulnerable groups through a dedicated social security scheme while encouraging their active involvement in economic activities.

A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of Praja Shakthi Councils, comprising local villagers and public officials, to enhance local governance, institutional capacity, and the efficient delivery of services. The programme also seeks to strengthen Sri Lanka’s national social welfare framework, ensuring better support for disadvantaged communities and helping unlock the country’s full productive potential.