🏅 Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West Receives Special Commendation at National Productivity Awards 2025/26

A Proud Milestone in Our Journey Towards Excellence, Productivity and Better Public Service

Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West, in the Nuwara Eliya District, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a Special Commendation in the Public Sector at the National Productivity Awards (NPA) 2025/26.

This recognition is a proud achievement for the entire Divisional Secretariat and reflects the commitment, teamwork, dedication and continuous efforts of our officers and staff towards improving productivity, efficiency and the quality of public service delivery.

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🏆 A Recognition of Our Collective Effort

The National Productivity Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate commitment to improving productivity, efficiency, innovation, workplace organization and service delivery.

The Special Commendation awarded to Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West represents more than an award. It is a recognition of the collective efforts made to create a more productive, organized and service-oriented workplace.

This achievement was made possible through the leadership and guidance of the Divisional Secretary, together with the dedicated efforts of the Administrative Officer , the Productivity Development Officer, officers and staff of the Divisional Secretariat.

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📋 Award Details

Category	Details
Award	Special Commendation
Programme	National Productivity Awards 2025/26
Sector	Public Sector
Institution	Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West
Sector Category	Divisional Secretariats
Registration No.	P4-00182
District	Nuwara Eliya

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🤝 Teamwork Behind the Achievement

The leadership and guidance of the Divisional Secretary provided the foundation and encouragement necessary for the productivity improvement journey.

Next appreciation is extended to the Administrative Officer  for her dedicated leadership and primary responsibility in implementing and coordinating the productivity project. Through her commitment, continuous follow-up, effective coordination and strong sense of responsibility, she played a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of the project.

The Productivity Development Officer also made an important contribution through professional guidance, coordination and support for productivity-related activities.

The commitment of the office staff was equally important. Their willingness to improve workplace practices, maintain standards and work together towards common objectives contributed greatly to the success of the project.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Grama Niladhari Officers and Community Empowering Officers, who provided valuable support, particularly in decorating, arranging and improving the office premises, helping to create a pleasant, organized and productive working environment.

The contribution of our Specially Minor Staff Members is also deeply appreciated. Their hard work, dedication and day-to-day support are essential to maintaining the office environment and ensuring the smooth functioning of the institution.

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🌱 Productivity as a Continuous Journey

Receiving the Special Commendation is not the end of our productivity journey. Rather, it is an encouragement to continue improving.

At the Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West, we believe that productivity is not simply about completing tasks. It is about:

• Providing better services to the public

• Using resources efficiently

• Improving workplace organization

• Encouraging teamwork and innovation

• Reducing unnecessary delays and waste

• Creating a positive working environment

• Strengthening public confidence in government services

• Continuously improving the way we serve our community

The dedication demonstrated throughout this project has shown that meaningful improvements can be achieved when leadership, responsibility and teamwork come together.

This recognition motivates us to build upon the progress already achieved and to pursue further improvements in the future.

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💜 Our Heartfelt Appreciation

On behalf of the Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this achievement.

Our sincere appreciation goes to:

The Divisional Secretary

For her leadership, guidance, encouragement and continuous support throughout the productivity improvement journey.

The Administrative Officer 

For taking the primary responsibility for implementing the productivity project, coordinating the activities, maintaining continuous follow-up and demonstrating exceptional dedication and commitment towards achieving the objectives of the programme.

The Productivity Development Officer

For professional guidance, coordination and commitment towards productivity improvement.

All Officers and Staff of the Divisional Secretariat

For their dedication, teamwork, cooperation and willingness to contribute towards institutional improvement.

Grama Niladhari Officers

For their valuable support, particularly in helping with the decoration and arrangement of the office premises.

Community Empowering Officers

For their contribution to improving the office environment and supporting the arrangements connected with the productivity initiative.

Specially Minor Staff Members

For their invaluable practical support, hard work and dedication in maintaining the office environment and supporting the smooth operation of the institution.

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🌟 Together We Make a Difference

The Special Commendation at the National Productivity Awards 2025/26 is a shared success and a proud milestone for the Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West.

At the same time, this achievement highlights the importance of dedicated individuals who take responsibility and work continuously to turn institutional goals into meaningful results.

The commitment of the Administrative Officer in leading the implementation of the productivity project, together with the guidance of the Divisional Secretary and the cooperation of all officers and staff, created a strong foundation for this achievement.

This recognition reminds us that meaningful accomplishments are created when people work together with dedication, cooperation, responsibility and a common vision.

We are proud of this recognition and grateful to every person who contributed to our journey.

“One Team. One Vision. Better Service.”

The Divisional Secretariat – Kothmale West looks forward to continuing this journey of productivity, innovation and excellence in public service for the benefit of the people of Kothmale West.

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"Together, we achieved it. Together, we move forward."

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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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