Striving for Excellence: Kothmale West Undergoes Official Inspection for National Productivity Awards 2025–2026

 

On June 30, 2025, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat marked a significant milestone in its journey toward administrative excellence by undergoing the official institutional assessment for the prestigious National Productivity Awards 2025–2026.

A distinguished panel of evaluators from the National Productivity Secretariat visited the office premises to conduct a comprehensive, rigorous audit of our operational workflows, digital transformation milestones, resource management, and citizen-centric service delivery models.

Key Areas Focused During the Inspection

The evaluation panel thoroughly reviewed several critical performance metrics designed to optimize public sector efficiency, including:

• Implementation of 5S Frameworks: Assessing workplace organization, cleanliness, and standardization across all departments to minimize delays.
• Digitalization & Innovation: Reviewing our modern filing systems, e-governance tools, and paperless administrative trials that speed up service delivery for the public.
• Citizen-First Public Service: Evaluating how efficiently public queries, licenses, and social welfare distribution are managed at the front lines.
• Employee Engagement & Welfare: Analyzing cross-departmental teamwork, staff training initiatives, and eco-friendly green workplace concepts.

Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The National Productivity Awards serve as a benchmark for state institutions in Sri Lanka, recognizing those that break away from traditional bureaucracy to foster highly efficient, transparent, and dynamic work cultures.

The entire staff of the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat—from the executive leadership to the field officers—demonstrated outstanding dedication during the preparation phase, presenting clear evidence of how productivity tools have been systematically utilized to serve the region better.

"Productivity is not a one-time target; it is a continuous commitment to excellence. We express our deepest gratitude to our entire team for their relentless hard work ahead of this inspection, and we remain dedicated to setting higher standards of public service in the Kothmale West region."

 

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Nurturing the Future: International Day of Play Celebrated Across Kothmale West ECDCs

 

On June 11, 2026, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat enthusiastically joined global communities to celebrate the International Day of Play. Recognizing that play is not just a recreational activity but a fundamental right and a vital pillar for early childhood growth, special commemorative events were successfully organized across all Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) within the division.

This year’s celebrations were guided by a profoundly meaningful and timely national theme:

"Protect Play – Protect Childhood"

(සුරකිමු සෙල්ලම් - සුරකිමු ළමාවිය)

The theme highlights the critical responsibility of parents, educators, and the state to safeguard unstructured play, ensuring that children can experience a natural, joyful, and healthy childhood in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The Power of Play in Early Childhood Development

The Early Childhood Development Centres in Kothmale West transformed into vibrant spaces of laughter, creativity, and exploration. The day's events were carefully curated by pre-school educators and field officers to maximize child engagement and development through various interactive sessions:

• Traditional & Group Games: Fostering essential social skills, teamwork, and emotional resilience.
• Creative Play Zones: Utilizing eco-friendly and simple materials to stimulate cognitive development, motor skills, and imagination.
• Active Physical Play: Promoting physical health, balance, and spatial coordination.

A Shared Commitment to Our Children

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat firmly believes that investing in early childhood development lays the foundation for a prosperous and balanced society. By celebrating the International Day of Play, the institution underscores its commitment to enforcing child protection policies and creating safe, engaging spaces for our younger generation to grow.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated pre-school teachers, parents, and field coordination officers who brought this event to life. Let us continue to work together to protect the innocence of childhood and give our children the freedom to play, learn, and grow."

 

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Triumphant Feat: Kothmale West Athletes Shine with a Major Medal Haul at the District Para-Athletic Meet 2026

 

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat proudly celebrates a historic and deeply inspiring sporting milestone reached by our extraordinary athletes. On June 2, 2026, the District Athletic Meet for Persons with Disabilities 2026 was ceremonially held at the Nuwara Eliya Cinecita Stadium, showcasing unmatched determination, athletic excellence, and the unyielding power of human spirit.

Competing with immense pride against teams from all ten Divisional Secretariat divisions across the Nuwara Eliya District, the Kothmale West contingent delivered a magnificent performance that left a lasting mark on the entire tournament.

A Spectacular Medal Haul and Dual Championships

Our athletes defied all limitations and put on a spectacular display of grit and precision on the track and field, securing a massive haul of medals and top honors:

Medal / Title	Count / Achievement
🥇 Gold Medals	07
🥈 Silver Medals	06
🥉 Bronze Medals	03
🏆 Championship Titles	02 overall tournament titles

This outstanding achievement placed Kothmale West at the absolute forefront of the district, serving as a powerful testament to the rigorous training, focus, and indomitable courage of our sports teams.

Honoring True Courage and Spirit

Every single stride, throw, and leap on the field reflected the message that determination knows no boundaries. The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat extends its warmest, most heartfelt congratulations to all the medal winners who brought glory to our division, as well as to every single athlete who stepped up to participate.

Participation itself in a demanding district arena is a grand victory of courage, and we honor the immense dedication of our sportspersons, their families, and the coaches who guided them toward this pinnacle.

Our Continued Support for Inclusive Sports

The Secretariat remains firmly committed to empowering and providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, recognizing that sports serve as an incredible vehicle for social integration, confidence, and community pride.

"Your extraordinary achievements have filled our entire region with pride. You have proven that with true courage, any barrier can be broken. We wish you all the strength, vitality, and power to conquer even bigger national arenas in the future. Go Team Kothmale West!"

 

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Cultivating Prosperity: 'Gam Dahasaka Wada Dahasak' National Initiative Launched in Kothmale West

 

Today, June 2, 2026, marked a transformative day for rural economic development in the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat Division. In strict alignment with the government's visionary policy statement, "A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life" (පොහොසත් රටක් ලස්සන ජීවිතයක්), the regional inauguration of the mega-national development framework, "Gam Dahasaka Wada Dahasak" (A Thousand Projects in a Thousand Villages), was officially launched.

This island-wide initiative is driven by the National Campaign for Poverty Alleviation under the Prajashakthi Programme, aimed at uplifting rural livelihoods and ensuring sustainable economic growth at the village level.

The inaugural phase of this regional rollout was centered around the Hunugaloya and Kirimetiya Grama Niladhari (GN) Divisions, under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Attorney-at-Law Anushka Darshani Thilakarathne, Member of Parliament for the Nuwara Eliya District and Co-Chairperson of the Kothmale West Regional Coordinating Committee.

Grassroots Financial Mobilization via Prajashakthi Council

Acting upon the strategic proposals submitted directly by the community-led Prajashakthi Development Council, the government has decentralized and allocated vital state funding for a series of infrastructure and livelihood development projects across individual village divisions. This structure ensures that development is directly customized to address the authentic socio-economic needs of rural households.

Empowering Farmers: Specialized Agricultural Awareness

Recognizing that agricultural modernization is the fastest route to rural economic stability, a specialized agricultural training and awareness workshop was held parallel to today's official launch. Funded under the Prajashakthi framework, the session provided localized technical guidance to farmers to venture into high-yield commercial crops, specifically focusing on:

• Mandarin (Naran) Cultivation: Best practices for planting, pest control, and capitalizing on local market demand.
• Passion Fruit Farming: Implementing proper trellising techniques, management, and high-return harvesting methods.
• Banana Cultivation: Selecting premium varieties, soil nutrition management, and long-term crop rotation.

A Unified Institutional Effort

The landmark project commenced with the spiritual blessings and traditional chanting of the Maha Sangha. Reflecting the strong inter-departmental synergy behind the initiative, the event saw a large turnout of high-profile delegates, state officials, and community leaders, including:

• The Chairman and Members of the Kothmale Pradeshiya Sabha.
• The Divisional Secretary of Kothmale West.
• The Deputy Director of Planning.
• The Headquarters Agricultural Instructor.
• Institutional state officials, Agrarian Organization Representatives, and a large group of beneficiary farmers.

Through the "Gam Dahasaka Wada Dahasak" campaign, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat is determined to transform traditional agricultural practices into profitable economic ventures, paving the way toward an independent, self-reliant, and thriving rural community.

"True prosperity begins when we empower the hands that feed the nation. Today’s launch in Hunugaloya and Kirimetiya is more than just a development project—it is a long-term investment in the financial freedom of our families."

 

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Spiritual Awakening: Kothmale West Holds Inaugural Staff 'Sil' and Meditation Programme for the 2570th State Vesak Festival

 

In commemoration of the sacred 2570th State Vesak Festival, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat organized a historic and deeply spiritual day-long Sil and Meditation Programme on May 26, 2026.

Marking the first time such an extensive spiritual development initiative has been organized exclusively for the staff, the office premises transformed into a serene sanctuary of peace, mindfulness, and devotion. Stepping away from their demanding administrative duties, institutional officers united in white attire to observe the Eight Precepts (Ata Sil) and immerse themselves in Dhamma reflection.

Cultivating Mindfulness and Inner Peace in Public Service

Public service requires a high level of mental clarity, patience, and compassion. The primary objective of this spiritual retreat was to provide our officers with an opportunity to rejuvenate their minds, practice mindfulness, and cultivate ethical values that translate directly into empathetic governance.

The spiritual agenda for the day was carefully curated to guide participants through deeper layers of Buddhist philosophy:

• Observance of the Eight Precepts (Uposatha Sila): Administered by the venerable clergy, setting a moral foundation for the day.
• Guided Meditation Sessions: Focusing on Anapanasati (breath mindfulness) and Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness) to alleviate workplace stress and cultivate inner tranquility.
• Dhamma Sermons (Dhamma Desana): Conducted by respected Buddhist monks, emphasizing the practical application of the Buddha's teachings in maintaining integrity, discipline, and kindness in daily life and public service.
• Dhamma Discussions (Dhamma Sakaccha): Allowing officers to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding spiritual well-being and moral responsibility.

Beginning a Sacred Institutional Tradition

The dawn of the 2570th Vesak year reminds us of the core values of compassion, selflessness, and spiritual discipline. By introducing this inaugural Sil programme, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat reinforces the idea that true professional excellence goes hand-in-hand with inner spiritual grounding.

The serene atmosphere, filled with the aroma of incense and the sound of traditional chanting, fostered a deep sense of harmony, brotherhood, and collective peace among the staff branches.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to the venerable Maha Sangha for providing spiritual guidance throughout the day. We also commend the organizing committee and all our officers whose exemplary devotion made this historic maiden Vesak spiritual retreat a deeply profound success."

 

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Cultivating Unity: Kothmale West Hosts its Inaugural New Year 'Bakmaha Ulela' for Officers and Families

 

On April 25, 2026, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat celebrated a beautiful milestone in workplace culture by organizing its first-ever official Bakmaha Ulela (Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival). Held at the spacious Kothmale Buddharaja Vidyalaya Grounds, the festival brought a vibrant, festive spirit to the region, stepping outside the traditional office walls to honor Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

This historic maiden event was designed not only as a cultural celebration but also as a welfare initiative to appreciate the hardworking public servants of the Secretariat, bringing together all institutional officers along with their family members for a day of joy and camaraderie.

Strengthening Bonds Beyond the Workplace

Public service demands continuous dedication, and the Bakmaha Ulela provided a perfect opportunity for officers to unwind, connect, and strengthen their interpersonal bonds. By inviting families into the institutional circle, the event fostered a strong sense of an extended "Secretariat Family," boosting staff morale and unity.

The festival grounds came alive with laughter, traditional music, and competitive spirit as both adults and children enthusiastically participated in a wide array of time-honored Sinhala and Tamil New Year games.

Highlights of Traditional Festivities

The day featured a diverse lineup of traditional events that showcased team spirit and cultural pride:

• Traditional Games: Classic events such as Kana Mutti Bidima (breaking the clay pot), Gami Pura Avurudu Kumariya & Kumaraya (New Year Pageant), sack races, and tug-of-war brought out healthy competitive energy among the branches.
• Family Inclusion: Special races and fun activities were organized for the children and spouses of the staff, ensuring everyone felt included in the celebrations.
• Avurudu Kevili Table: Participants enjoyed a traditional feast featuring authentic sweetmeats like Kavum, Kokis, and Kiribath, celebrating the culinary heritage of the season.

A Milestone for Institutional Welfare

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat believes that an interconnected, happy workforce is the foundation of excellent public service. The resounding success of this inaugural New Year festival sets a wonderful precedent for the future, establishing a new tradition of work-life balance and cultural appreciation within our administration.

"Our first-ever Bakmaha Ulela was a spectacular success, reflecting the harmony and unity of our team. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the management of Kothmale Buddharaja Vidyalaya for providing the venue, the organizing committee for their tireless efforts, and all the families whose presence made this day truly unforgettable."

 

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Rebuilding Lives: Kothmale West Distributes Relief Cheques for Houses Damaged by Cyclone Ditva (Phase 01)

 

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat took a critical step toward community rehabilitation on April 21, 2026, by hosting the first phase of the financial relief distribution programme for families affected by the devastating Cyclone Ditva.

Operating under the direct funding and provisions of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) of the Ministry of Defence, the initiative focused on providing immediate financial backing to residents whose houses suffered partial structural damages during the cyclone late last year.

The official distribution ceremony was held at the Secretariat premises under the patronage of Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne, Member of Parliament for the Nuwara Eliya District and Chairperson of the Kothmale West Regional Coordinating Committee.

Phase 1: Direct Financial Mobilization for Housing Repairs

During this initial phase of the disaster relief mechanism, selected beneficiaries received financial assistance cheques valued up to Rs. 300,000. These state-backed grants are specifically allocated to help families quickly procure building materials, secure skilled labor, and expedite the repair of roofs, walls, and foundational structures before the onset of the next monsoon season.

The transparent disbursement process ensures that affected families can systematically rebuild their homes and regain structural safety.

Supporting Education: Parallel School Equipment Distribution

Recognizing that natural disasters place immense financial strain on households, the Secretariat coupled its housing relief efforts with a thoughtful community outreach project targeted at the younger generation.

Parallel to the cheque distribution, a school equipment distribution programme was successfully conducted. School children from the affected families were gifted essential educational packs, including notebooks, stationery, and school gear. This immediate intervention ensures that children can continue their classroom education smoothly without their learning being interrupted by household recovery challenges.

Standing Strong with Our Citizens

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat remains deeply dedicated to managing efficient post-disaster recovery pipelines. By combining housing infrastructure rehabilitation with direct educational support for youth, the state machinery ensures a comprehensive, empathetic, and rapid response to the vulnerabilities faced by our rural communities.

"True governance is measured by how quickly and effectively we stand by our people in times of crisis. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, our regional coordinators, and public officers who worked around the clock to process these relief funds for Kothmale West."

 

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