A total of 786 development projects valued at Rs. 997.84 million are planned for the Nuwara Eliya District under the government’s Praja Shakthi national poverty eradication programme, with a focus on improving livelihoods and local infrastructure.

The details were presented during a progress review meeting held at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat on Friday (28). The meeting was chaired by Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Dr. Upali Pannila.

Of the planned projects, 263 are livelihood development initiatives, with an estimated investment of Rs. 296.19 million. A further 286 infrastructure development projects have been allocated approximately Rs. 543.22 million.

The remaining projects are expected to cover other development needs identified within local communities, supporting the broader objectives of the programme.

Under the 2026 Budget, the Government has allocated Rs. 25 billion for the Praja Shakthi programme. The initiative aims to implement at least one development project in every Grama Niladhari Division across the country, with the broader goal of reducing poverty and strengthening community-level economic development.

Nationwide, 15,646 projects worth Rs. 22.425 billion have already been launched under the programme. These include 8,323 livelihood development projects and 7,323 infrastructure development projects.

During the progress review, Minister Pannila instructed officials to accelerate the implementation of the projects while maintaining financial discipline and transparency. He also emphasized the need to ensure that communities receive the maximum possible benefits from the allocated public funds.

The investment is expected to support local livelihoods, improve essential infrastructure and contribute to long-term economic development within communities across the Nuwara Eliya District.