Groundbreaking Launch: 'Clean Sri Lanka' and 'Community Productivity Model Village' Initiative Commences in Gammeddagama

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat Division marked a monumental milestone in regional development today, March 16, 2026, with the official launching ceremony of the Community Productivity Model Village Programme. Implemented in alignment with the "Clean Sri Lanka" National Programme, this initiative takes a holistic social, environmental, and ethical approach aimed at fostering a disciplined, moral, and values-driven society at the grassroots level.

The landmark project has taken root in Gammeddagama village, located within the Rawanagoda East Grama Niladhari (GN) Division. The inauguration was held 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.

The Vision: "Daya Namvana Sapiri Gamak" (2025–2027)

Operating under the national theme "Daya Namvana Sapiri Gamak" (An Accomplished Village that Uplifts the Nation), this extensive development framework runs on a strategic three-year timeline from 2025 to 2027.

The grand national operation is spearheaded by the National Productivity Secretariat under the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, driving forward through a synchronized network of all District and Divisional Secretariats across the island.

Empowering Communities Through a Six-Pillar Strategy

Moving away from conventional development models that focus strictly on concrete infrastructure, this project aims to bring sustainable, human-centric transformation. It introduces community productivity concepts to empower villagers across six core developmental pillars:

Development Pillar	Strategic Focus Areas
Educational Development	Enhancing learning resources, literacy, and skill development for youth.
Economic Development	Boosting local livelihoods, cottage industries, and financial self-reliance.
Health & Sanitation	Improving rural healthcare access, clean water entry, and waste management.
Social Well-being	Strengthening community safety, equity, and mutual support structures.
Environmental Advancement	Promoting eco-friendly lifestyles, conservation, and green coverage.
Cultural & Spiritual Growth	Nurturing ethics, cultural heritage, and moral values among residents.

Bringing the State Machinery to the Grassroots

The primary target of the government through this model village concept is to institutionalize a nationwide commitment to an ethical, clean, and sustainable lifestyle. By utilizing the practical execution of the entire state mechanism, the national strategy aims to remodel every village into a highly self-sufficient, productive, and exemplary unit.

The inaugural event was enriched by the spiritual blessings and guidance of the Venerable Chief Prelate (Maha Sanghanayaka) of the Kothmale region.

A massive gathering of key state officials and public figures attended the launch, including:

• The Chairman and public representatives of the Kothmale Pradeshiya Sabha.
• The Divisional Secretary of Kothmale West.
• The Kothmale West Clean Sri Lanka Coordinator.
• The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Dimbula Pathana Police Station.
• Institutional field officers, Samurdhi Managers, and officers representing the Health, Education, and Agricultural sectors.

Adding a wave of community joy to the official proceedings, the residents of Gammeddagama organized a remarkable aesthetic program, showcasing the local artistic talents and traditional cultural heritage of the village.

"True national development begins when our villages become self-reliant, clean, and rich in values. The launch in Gammeddagama is a shining example of public administration working hand-in-hand with the community to build a prosperous tomorrow."

 

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A Historic Milestone: Kothmale West Celebrates its Inaugural 78th Independence Day Commemoration at Tispanekanda Primary School

 

On February 4, 2026, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat marked a historic milestone by organizing its first-ever official Independence Day celebration. The 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka was commemorated with immense pride, dignity, and patriotic splendor during a special ceremony hosted at Tispanekanda Primary School.

Presided over by the Divisional Secretary, this landmark event moved beyond standard state celebrations by directly integrating grassroots community development, education, and environmental sustainability.

A Tripartite Collaboration for National Pride

The resounding success of this inaugural celebration was made possible through an exemplary collaborative effort. The principal, teaching staff, parents, and the vibrant student community of Tispanekanda Primary School joined hands with the dedicated officers of the Divisional Secretariat to execute a well-coordinated and dignified event.

The formal proceedings commenced with the hoisting of the national flag, the singing of the national anthem, and a solemn moment of silence observed in honor of the national heroes who fought for the country's freedom.

Investing in the Future: Book Distribution Programme

Believing that true independence is achieved through an educated and empowered younger generation, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat organized a special book distribution programme during the ceremony.

Essential reading and educational books were gifted to the school children, aiming to foster a love for reading, support their academic journeys, and alleviate some of the financial burdens on local families.

Greening the Campus: Medicinal and Fruit Tree Planting

In alignment with national sustainable development goals, a plantation campaign was successfully launched within the school premises. The Divisional Secretary, school authorities, and students collectively planted a variety of:

• Medicinal Saplings: To preserve traditional herbal flora and educate children on indigenous medicine.
• Fruit Trees: To promote long-term food security, improve nutrition, and create a greener, more eco-friendly school environment.

Empowering Communities Through Patriotism

This inaugural Independence Day celebration sets a beautiful precedent for the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat. By taking state celebrations directly to local schools, the institution reinforces its bond with the public and instills vital civic values in the hearts of the younger generation.

"True independence is reflected in the growth of our children and the protection of our environment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the management of Tispanekanda Primary School, the parents, students, and our hard-working officers for making this historic maiden celebration a meaningful success."

 

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Celebrating Abundance and Gratitude: Thai Pongal and Kolam Festival at Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat

 

On January 21, 2026, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat premises transformed into a vibrant hub of color and cultural harmony as the institution hosted its annual Thai Pongal celebration.

Centered around traditional Hindu religious rituals, the celebration was organized to express deep gratitude to the Sun God, Nature, the agricultural ecosystem, and farm cattle, all of which sustain human life. Bringing together all institutional officers, the event served as a beautiful platform to pray for widespread peace, prosperity, and abundance for the whole community.

Rituals of Gratitude and Harmony

The morning began with the traditional boiling of the Pongal rice pot, symbolizing overflowing wealth and happiness for the region. Officers from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds joined hands with their Hindu colleagues to participate in the religious observances, exemplifying the strong spirit of multicultural unity that defines our workforce.

The core values emphasized during the event included:

• Environmental Gratitude: Recognizing the pivotal role nature and the sun play in providing a bountiful harvest.
• Honoring the Farmer and Cattle: Celebrating the livestock and agricultural labor that drive the rural economy of Kothmale.
• Collective Aspiration: Wishing for shared socio-economic well-being across the entire administrative division.

A Colorful Kolam Design Showcase

Adding an extra layer of festivity and artistic expression to the day, a Kolam design showcase was organized among the staff.

The office corridors and courtyard were adorned with intricate geometric patterns drawn by the officers using vibrant colored rice flour. The Kolam competition not only highlighted the creative talents of our staff members but also fostered great team spirit, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for traditional Tamil art and heritage.

Fostering Cultural Inclusivity in Public Service

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat strongly believes that celebrating our diverse cultural festivals within the institutional framework strengthens administrative unity and improves community relations. By honoring the traditions of Thai Pongal, the Secretariat continues to cultivate an inclusive environment rooted in mutual respect.

"We extend our warmest Thai Pongal wishes to our staff, our farming communities, and all citizens. May this festival of harvest bring endless peace, sound health, and overflowing prosperity to your homes."

 

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Honoring the Past and Blessing the Future: Kothmale West Holds Solemn Almsgiving Ceremony on New Year's Day

 

To mark the dawn of the new year, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat organized a solemn and meritorious almsgiving ceremony for the venerable Maha Sangha on January 1, 2026.

The event was held at the Secretariat premises with a profound dual purpose: to transfer spiritual merits to the fellow citizens who tragically lost their lives during the devastating Cyclone Ditva that struck Sri Lanka in the latter part of 2025, and to invoke divine blessings of health, protection, and prosperity for the entire nation in the year 2026.

Remembering the Victims of Cyclone Ditva

The end of 2025 brought immense challenges to Sri Lanka as Cyclone Ditva caused widespread disruption and claimed precious lives across multiple regions. As public servants deeply connected to community welfare, the staff of the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat felt it was an institutional and moral duty to begin the new year by honoring the memory of those departed.

During the religious proceedings, special prayers and the traditional pouring of water (Pānadhāna) were offered to transfer merits to the victims, comforting grieving families through collective spiritual solidarity.

Invoking Blessings for a Prosperous 2026

Following the almsgiving, the venerable monks performed traditional chanting of Seth Pirith to bless the Divisional Secretary, the institutional officers, field staff, and the entire community of Kothmale West.

The spiritual leaders delivered a timely sermon emphasizing:

• The importance of resilience and unity when overcoming natural disasters.
• Cultivating compassion and empathy within public service to better uplift vulnerable communities.
• Fostering a harmonious environment where spiritual values guide daily administrative duties.

Beginning the Year with Spiritual Grounding

By starting the administrative calendar with an act of deep spiritual significance, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat reinforces its commitment to community, compassion, and cultural values. This sacred beginning serves as a source of mental strength and unity for our officers as they step forward to serve the public in 2026.

"May the merits of this wild almsgiving bring peace to the departed souls of Cyclone Ditva, and may the blessings of the Triple Gem guide our institution and our nation toward a safe, stable, and prosperous new year."

 

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Steering into 2026: Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat Officially Commences New Year Duties

 

The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat officially entered the new year with a renewed sense of dedication, unity, and public resolve during its formal duty commencement ceremony.

The event was organized in strict accordance with Public Administration Circular No. 34/2025, issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government. Gathered within the office premises, the entire staff stood together to pledge their commitment to excellent, transparent, and citizen-first public service for the year 2026.

Leadership and Unity in Public Service

The ceremonial commencement was presided over by the Divisional Secretary, whose opening address set a visionary tone for the upcoming months. The ceremony saw the active participation of all institutional officers, ranging from senior administrative executives to field officers and support staff.

Key highlights of the morning's proceedings included:

• The National Anthem and Flag Hoisting: Honoring the nation and reaffirming our collective loyalty to the democratic socialist republic of Sri Lanka.
• The Public Service Affirmation: Officers collectively took the official public service oath, pledging to perform their administrative duties with utmost integrity, efficiency, and impartiality.
• Commemorating Fallen Heroes: Observing a moment of silence to honor the brave patriots who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Embracing Efficiency and Integrity

The dawn of 2026 brings new opportunities and responsibilities for local governance. In her address to the staff, the Divisional Secretary emphasized the importance of adapting to modern administrative needs, optimizing regional development programs, and ensuring that every citizen walking through the doors of the Secretariat is served with respect and promptness.

By starting the year with a structured and unified vow, the institution reinforces its backbone of teamwork and professional accountability.

"As we step into 2026, our primary mission remains unchanged: to drive sustainable regional growth and serve the people of Kothmale West with unyielding integrity. We wish all our officers and the citizens we serve a prosperous, healthy, and impactful new year!"

 

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Bringing Government to Your Doorstep: Kothmale West Conducts Mega Mobile Service Programme

 

On November 21, 2025, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat successfully conducted a comprehensive mobile service programme, successfully bringing essential public services directly to the doorsteps of the community.

The mega community outreach initiative was strategically centered to serve residents across five Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions:

• Kotagepitiya North
• Kotagepitiya South
• Nayapana
• Ranwanthalawa
• Kadadora

By consolidating multiple state departments and essential services into one accessible location, the programme saved valuable time and travel expenses for hundreds of local citizens, embodying the true spirit of efficient public service.

Key Services Delivered to the Public

The mobile clinic offered a diverse range of administrative, healthcare, and advisory services, including:

• National Identity Card (NIC) Processing: Operating as the core focus of the day, dedicated desks helped residents efficiently resolve issues, renew, or apply for new National Identity Cards.
• Divisional Secretariat Services: General administrative consultation, registration documentation, and land-related queries were processed on-site by institutional officers.
• Agricultural Advisory Programs: In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, field experts conducted awareness sessions on modern farming techniques, crop management, and home-gardening solutions.
• Ayurvedic Medical Clinic: Residents received free traditional medical consultations and wellness advice from certified Ayurvedic practitioners.
• Local Government Support: The Kothmale Pradeshiya Sabha set up dedicated help desks to assist the public with local utility, infrastructure, and community service inquiries.
• Free Eye Testing: A complimentary vision screening camp was conducted, providing vital healthcare access to elderly residents and school children.

A Step Closer to the Citizen

This mobile service highlights the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat's ongoing commitment to inclusive, citizen-centric governance. By breaking down institutional barriers and collaborating with sister departments, the Secretariat successfully addressed the immediate needs of marginalized and rural communities under one roof.

"Our goal is to ensure that public service is accessible to every citizen, regardless of geographical barriers. We extend our sincere thanks to the Department of Agriculture, the Kothmale Pradeshiya Sabha, medical staff, and all our dedicated officers who worked together to make this massive community operation a resounding success."

 

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Sustainable Water Management: Kothmale West Holds Awareness Session on Integrated Watershed Project

 

On November 19, 2025, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat took a decisive step toward environmental sustainability and resource protection by hosting a comprehensive awareness programme on the Integrated Watershed and Water Resources Management Project.

Given Kothmale's geographical importance as a vital catchment area for the nation's water supply, the sustainable management of its water resources is a matter of national significance. This timely initiative focused on educating key field officers on conservation strategies and establishing a decentralized structure for local water management.

Key Milestone: Formation of Micro-Watershed Planning Committees

A major highlight of the day’s proceedings was the formal establishment of multi-disciplinary micro-watershed level planning committees. These committees are designed to act as localized task forces that will monitor, plan, and execute eco-friendly strategies to protect small streams, springs, and water absorption zones within the division.

Multi-Sectoral Officer Participation

The success of watershed management relies entirely on a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach. The workshop saw active participation from a diverse group of key administrative and field officials, including:

• Grama Niladhari Officers & Development Officers: To drive community-level awareness and grassroots execution.
• Samurdhi Managers: To integrate watershed conservation with community livelihood development.
• Agricultural Research & Production Assistants: To promote sustainable farming practices that prevent soil erosion and water pollution.
• Land Use Planning Officer: To provide technical expertise on proper land zoning and protection of vulnerable slopes.

Securing Our Water Future

Through the Integrated Watershed and Water Resources Management Project, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat aims to mitigate the risks of landslides, soil degradation, and water scarcity. By empowering public officers with the right knowledge and organizational structure, the Secretariat is ensuring that the natural heritage of Kothmale is preserved for generations to come.

"Protecting our water resources is a shared responsibility. The establishment of these micro-watershed planning committees marks the beginning of a structured, scientific, and community-driven approach to environmental preservation in our division."

 

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