President calls for stronger rural development, social security focus in 2026 Budget

Thursday, 21 August 2025 04:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Disanayake

Urges officials to ensure allocations channelled towards improving rural living standards
Says enable communities to become direct contributors to national economy
Ensure benefits reach intended groups without leakages or inefficiencies

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Tuesday stressed the need for effective use of rural development funds and stronger social welfare measures during a review of projects implemented under the 2025 Budget allocations for the Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Ministry. The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, also initiated discussions on proposals for the 2026 Budget.

The President urged officials to ensure that allocations are channelled towards improving rural living standards in ways that allow communities to become direct contributors to the national economy. “When funds flow into villages in a structured and meaningful manner, rural economies can be rapidly strengthened,” he noted.

Underscoring the role of the State machinery, Disanayake asserted that projects must be implemented systematically and properly to ensure the benefits reach the intended groups without leakages or inefficiencies.

He also placed special attention on persons with disabilities, calling for comprehensive measures to prevent their marginalisation and ensure equal opportunities.

The President also instructed that training programs for social service officers be incorporated into next year’s Budget, to enhance their ability to deliver services effectively at the grassroots level.

Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage, Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Additional Secretaries to the President Russell Aponsu and Kapila Janaka Bandara, along with Finance Ministry and the Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Ministry senior officials, participated in the discussion.