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Divisional Secretaries briefed on the Government’s 2026 Development Programmes and the ‘Praja Shakthi’ Community-Driven Rural Development Approach

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A briefing session for all Divisional Secretaries across the country on the government’s flagship “Praja Shakthi” national programme, implemented to strengthen social empowerment and ensure the fair distribution of economic benefits within society, was held on Saturday (22) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The session provided Divisional Secretaries with an extensive overview of the grassroots implementation of the Praja Shakthi programme. Discussions also covered the need for public sector reforms, the role of Divisional Secretaries in development, the digital systems and platforms used within the Praja Shakthi initiative, the responsibilities of Divisional Secretaries under the digital economy programme and securing their active contribution to the national “A Nation United” mission aimed at eradicating bribery, corruption and dangerous narcotics.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr Upali Pannilage, noted that the aim of the Praja Shakthi national movement is to provide national-level leadership to eliminate rural poverty. He emphasised that, whereas poverty alleviation had long been handled as a fragmented responsibility limited to a single ministry or institution, Praja Shakthi seeks to transform it into a broad, collective national effort.

Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, stated that multidimensional poverty, one of the country’s longstanding social issues, has been recognised as a key priority within the new development approaches. Social empowerment and strengthened social protection have been identified as primary strategies. He further stressed that public officials bear significant responsibility in ensuring that benefits reach the people effectively.

Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr Harshana Sooriyapperuma, noted that Rs. 180 billion has been allocated in the 2026 Budget for rural development, including Praja Shakthi and other development programmes. He added that Divisional Secretaries would play a major role in the efforts to increase the current 5% economic growth rate to 7% and to achieve the country’s medium-term economic targets.

Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr Upali Pannilage

“For many years, various programmes have been introduced in our country to eradicate poverty. I trust that all of you are familiar with the Praja Shakthi initiative launched by the present government. The Praja Shakthi movement has four main objectives.

The first is to provide national leadership to eliminate rural poverty under the Praja Shakthi national movement. Although this may appear somewhat complex, our view is that previous poverty alleviation efforts were confined to a single ministry or a single institution.

Understanding the need for national leadership, we expanded this programme. With the involvement of the Presidential Secretariat, a National Policy Council has been established, chaired by the President.

Secondly, an integrated and inter-sectoral mechanism has been introduced for eliminating rural poverty. Instead of each ministry or institution attempting to address poverty in isolation, we have adopted a unified approach. While all 25 ministries are linked to poverty alleviation, nine have been identified as directly responsible. Provincial councils and local government institutions are also integral to this structure, which requires coordinated action. For this purpose, an Integrated Operations Committee has been established within the administrative system. All ministry secretaries directly involved in the programme, as well as provincial chief secretaries, are part of this high-level integrated structure.

Thirdly, we have introduced a people-centred development approach. Although simple in concept, we believe development must move from the bottom up rather than from the top down. In practice, this requires genuine public participation at the grassroots level.

Finally, the effectiveness and efficiency of poverty alleviation initiatives must be reviewed and monitored with people’s participation. These are the core objectives of the Praja Shakthi national programme. There may be additional sub-objectives, but to implement these successfully, we need your fullest cooperation.”

Deputy Minister of the Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne said,

“Our government’s key expectation is to deliver services to the public efficiently, transparently, and with a sense of proximity. Each layer of the state structure must be digitised, from top to bottom. Only then can we deliver the essential services the public requires in a timely manner.

Digitisation will also significantly reduce the operational costs of Divisional Secretariats. We hope to work closely with your institutions. This is a national initiative, and therefore we expect to meet these requirements swiftly during 2026.”

Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake:

“This may very well be the first time we are meeting you. As Divisional Secretaries, you perform an immense service. You work closely with the people at the local level. We must improve the quality of public service delivery.

Following the recent political changes, the public expected significant transformation, especially from politicians. As you know, there were strong demands for changes in the behaviour of politicians. Next, public scrutiny turned towards public officials. Even today, society continues to direct its expectations towards government officials. As politicians have responded to public pressure and undergone transformation, public officials must also adapt to meet these expectations. This is something we must clearly understand.

For years, we have followed certain routines in the public service. But now, we must be willing to change. We must be ready to align ourselves with new approaches. Many of you are young, energetic administrators with solid experience, exactly the kind of group capable of leading this transformation. As government programmes are implemented, your institutions must become more efficient.

Even when the government allocates funds, people often claim that the work does not get done because of indifference. We must recognise this. Let us adopt new ways of thinking when implementing these programmes. Your Divisional Secretariat must align itself with this efficient framework.

The government has already allocated funds for the digitalisation of public institutions. The state is making a significant investment towards advancing digital transformation in the country.”

Participating in the discussions were Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Wasantha Piyatissa; President’s Advisor on the Digital Economy, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya; Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Sampath Manthrinayake; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, S. Aloka Bandara; Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Varuna Sri Dhanapala; Senior Additional Secretaries to the President, Roshan Gamge and Kapila Janaka Bandara; Director General of Legal Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat, J. M. Wijebandara; Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Ranga Dissanayake; Director General of the Department of National Budget, S.D.J. Nilukshan; and Director of the Sri Lanka Railways Department, Buddhika Jayatissa.


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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

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2026/04/20

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 19 April 2026, valid for 20 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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Church calls for Deputy Defence Minister’s removal, establishment of Independent Prosecutor’s Office

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2026/04/20

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Pressure mounts on govt. over Easter Sunday carnage

The Catholic Church intends to formally request President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this week to relieve Deputy Defence Minister Maj. Gen. (retd) Aruna Jayasekera of his ministerial post pending investigations into the Easter Sunday carnage.

Head of Centre for Society & Religion (CSR) Rev. Father. Rohan Silva OMI said that they were in the process of collecting signatures from the relevant Catholic clergy for a petition to be handed over to President Dissanayake probably the day after tomorrow (22).

The priest said so in response to The Island queries regarding their plans to highlight the atrocities perpetrated on 21 April, seven years ago. The priest explained that an impartial inquiry couldn’t be conducted as Jayasekera had served as Security Forces Commander, East, when some members of Saharan Hashim’s National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ) blew themselves up at their Sainthamaruthu hideout after being surrounded by the police and the army.

According to the priest, the signing of the petition commenced last Friday (17) and the process will be completed on 21 April, with the petition being handed over to the President.

Speaking at an event organised by the CSR to mark the launch of a special report on the Easter Sunday attacks titled, “Memory, Pain and Hope: Seeking Justice Seven Years On,” last Frida, in Colombo, Rev. Father Silva called for the removal of Deputy Minister Jayasekera and an independent probe into the carnage.

“We will formally request President Dissanayake to remove him to facilitate an impartial investigation.”

Leader of Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) and ex-Minister Udaya Gammanpila told The Island that there was absolutely no need to relieve Maj. Gen. Jayasekera of his ministerial portfolio. Reiterating his long-standing position that the Easter Sunday mastermind was none other than Zaharan Hashim, who carried out suicide attack inside Shgangri-La Colombo.

Top spokesperson for the Catholic Church Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando expressed confidence in the ongoing CID investigation launched following a complaint lodged by Rev. Father Silva. He said that although the investigation was slow it was being conducted systematically and they were satisfied with its progress. According to the Church’s spokesperson, the complaint was launched following the telecast of the UK Channel 4 programme in Sept 2023 that dealt with the Easter Sunday conspiracy.

Responding to Gammanpila, Dr. Rohan Gunaratne as well as Aruna Jayasekera’s statement in Parliament, Rev. Fr. Fernando emphasised a thorough investigation was required to identify those within the armed forces and police, particularly the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) involved in criminal activities at the behest of their political masters.

Rev. Father Fernando questioned their complicity and involvement in the 2009 assassination of The Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga and the abduction and disappearance of media personality Prageeth Ekneligoda on the eve of the 2010 presidential election.

The priest emphasised that the accusations were directed at a small group of personnel regarding criminal activities and not the armed forces and police as a whole.

Responding to questions, Rev. Father Fernando underscored the importance of establishing an Independent Public Prosecutor’s Office to ensure fair, effective and impartial prosecution of cases. Pointing out shortcomings on the part of the Attorney General in dealing with high profile cases, the priest stressed the responsibility on the part of the AG to take note of growing public concerns over the Easter Sunday case. The Independent Prosecutor’s Office would ensure greater accountability and confidence in Sri Lanka’s justice system, the priest said, while referring to reported cases of conflict of interests.

The NPP manifesto assured an early creation of the Independent Prosecutor’s Office and the cabinet-of-ministers on 7 May, 2025 decided to go ahead with it.

Referring to a ‘B’ report submitted by the CID to the Fort Magistrate’s Court recently, Rev. Father Fernando alleged that the DMI continued to interfere in the Easter Sunday investigation. “After the CID recorded a statement from a person living in Negombo regarding the Easter Sunday carnage, a Sergeant attached to the DMI visited the targeted man’s residence. There had been another person with the Sergeant,” Rev. Father Fernando said, alleging that in spite of a change of government the conspirators seemed to be still active within that organization.

The Church spokesperson said that they still expected the government to implement the recommendations made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that probed the Easter Sunday carnage. The recommendations of the report handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in early February 2021 were yet to be implemented, while drawing attention of the current dispensation to the inordinate delay in addressing the issues underscored by the PCoI.

In August last year, the ruling party thwarted an attempt by the Opposition to move a no-confidence motion against Deputy Minister Jayasekera following his declaration in parliament that a small section of the DMI had been involved in the Easter Sunday carnage. The NPP asserted that in terms of the existing Standing Orders a no-faith motion couldn’t be moved against a Deputy Minister.

The Catholic Church has organised a series of events on 19 April and 21 April to highlight the need to bring the Easter Sunday investigations to a successful conclusion. Prayers would be offered at St. Anthony’s Church as well as St. Sebastian church, on 21 April, the scene of devastating attacks, Rev. Father Fernando said, adding that the Vatican Ambassador here would join the march from Maris Stella College, Negombo to St. Sebastian’s church in the late afternoon on 21 April.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

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Road accidents, drowning, claim 70 lives in 8 days

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9 hours ago

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2026/04/20

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Police Headquarters yesterday said that 70 people were killed in road accidents and drowning incidents during the traditional New Year period spanning eight days.

Police said 42 road accidents were reported from various parts of the country between April 10 and April 18, resulting in 44 deaths.

Meanwhile, 26 drowning deaths were reported during the six-day period from April 12 to April 18.

by Dharmasena Welipitiya

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