Complete All 2026 Development Projects Within the Next Three Months - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that all development projects commenced under the approved allocations for 2026 must be completed within the next three months.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a progress review discussion of the Colombo District Planning Committee held yesterday (11) at the Colombo District Secretariat.

During the discussion, extensive attention was given to the progress of projects implemented by the Colombo District Secretariat, including the Decentralized Budget Programme, Rural Road Development Programme, “Praja Shakthi” Poverty Eradication Programme, and the programme aimed at fostering a culture of sports.

The meeting also reviewed the current status of development projects being implemented across the Colombo District by a number of government institutions, including the Western Province Development Programme, Office of the Commissioner of Local Government, Road Development Authority, Provincial Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority, National Housing Development Authority, Department of Irrigation, Department of Animal Production and Health, and Department of Export Agriculture.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized that gaining a clear understanding of the current status of development programmes would enable the identification of existing issues, the implementation of necessary changes, and the expeditious completion of projects without obstacles, thereby ensuring that their benefits reach the people without delay. She further noted that, as the primary objective of all these projects is to eradicate poverty, it is essential to establish and regulate criteria based on practical experience to ensure both the quality and long-term effectiveness of these programmes.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to a previously raised issue concerning the absence of an institution responsible for certain lands, canals, and drainage systems. She stressed that there cannot be roads or waterways for which no institution bears responsibility.

Officials informed the meeting that, under a Gazette notification, the ownership and responsibility for canals and rivers lie with the Department of Irrigation. Accordingly, the Prime Minister instructed officials not to allow this matter to become an obstacle when initiating development projects in the future.

The Chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Members of Parliament Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, Aruna Panagoda, Asitha Niroshana, Devananda Sureweera, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara, heads of government institutions, Divisional Secretaries, and representatives of the Planning Committee were among those present at the occasion.