The National Shoora Council (NSC) has urged the public to strengthen the government’s poverty alleviation project.

The NSC in a statement says: “We wish to draw the attention of the public, particularly the daily wage earning and the largely lower middle-class sections of the citizenry, to the “Praja Shakthi,” or ‘Poverty Alleviation’ programme, officially launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, on 6th July, 2025, aimed at reducing poverty and uplifting families throughout the 14,000-plus Grama Niladhari (GN) Divisions across Sri Lanka.

Respected community activists at the GN division level — including religious representatives, retired officers, and other civil society personnel — have been encouraged to work together with local officials at the Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladhari levels to help in the State-sponsored programmes to alleviate poverty-stricken families. Affected families must include those adversely affected following the then government of Sri Lanka declaring national bankruptcy on 6th July, 2022. The nation-wide programme reportedly aims to plan and carry out activities that support families in need, address daily challenges, strengthen communities as well as promote unity and safety in our neighbourhoods.

We encourage all citizens to:

*  Stay informed about the poverty alleviation programmes and related activities in their respective GN Division.

*  Form into a Committee of Volunteers at the GN level uniting the several villages/towns together above all sectarian divisions.

*  To submit names of dedicated volunteers to the GN Level Committee, expected to work under the leadership of the Divisional Secretary.

*  Support trustworthy and respected volunteers to represent your local area in the GN level Committee for poverty alleviation and security related programmes.

*  Work with your local Committee of Volunteers and the local officers to help identify families and places requiring genuine support.

*   Volunteers are advised to treat this as an opportunity to serve those in need of assistance and as acts of self- sacrifice.

 These trusted representatives are expected to serve affected families without any discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, caste or other grounds, working purely for the welfare of the people in their GN Divisions. Please note that the NSC itself has no role in this government project. This release is issued to draw the attention of those not involved in active politics to support measures to strengthen and unite the volunteers to help uplift those in need of assistance.”