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."
