Sri Lanka’s Praja Shakthi rural development programme has recorded physical progress of 54.81% against financial progress of 7.48%, according to government figures covering implementation up to October 31, 2026.
The figures were disclosed during a programme review chaired by Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Upali Pannilage.
The Government Information Department published the findings on November 3.
The programme currently covers 15,554 development projects across the country, with plans to benefit 1,406,315 people directly.
Physical and financial progress differ by 47.33 percentage points
The reported physical progress rate exceeds the financial progress rate by 47.33 percentage points.
This is an independent calculation using the two percentages announced by the government.
Physical progress generally concerns the extent of work completed, while financial progress measures spending or financial implementation under the programme’s reporting system.
The government announcement does not explain the methodology used to calculate the two percentages.
It also does not disclose the value of outstanding contractor invoices or the amount of work awaiting payment.
The difference therefore warrants further examination but cannot, by itself, establish payment arrears.
More than 15,500 projects under implementation
The government allocated Rs. 25 billion to the national programme through the 2026 Budget.
Approximately Rs. 23 billion has been allocated to development projects identified through community development councils.
The councils cover all 14,007 Grama Niladhari divisions.
Local priorities identified through these councils form the basis of projects being implemented under the programme.
The government’s review identified 7,880 infrastructure projects, representing approximately 51% of the total project count.
Infrastructure development accounts for Rs. 12.72 billion in allocations.
| Sector | Projects | Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | 7,880 | Rs. 12.72 billion |
| Industry | 3,321 | Over Rs. 4.01 billion |
| Agriculture | 2,436 | Over Rs. 3.21 billion |
| Livestock | 1,120 | Rs. 1.44 billion |
| Services | 408 | Rs. 831.4 million |
| Fisheries | 385 | Rs. 645.7 million |
The published sector counts total 15,550 projects, four fewer than the announced programme total of 15,554.
The government statement does not explain the four-project difference.
This may result from classification or reporting arrangements, but the published information does not establish the reason.
Kurunegala leads project count
Kurunegala District has the largest number of projects, with 1,628 under implementation.
Matara follows with 1,526 projects, while Kandy has 1,215 and Gampaha has 1,016.
Kandy has received the largest district allocation identified in the review, at Rs. 1.768 billion.
Kurunegala’s allocation stands at Rs. 1.766 billion, followed by Gampaha at Rs. 1.427 billion.
Batticaloa recorded the highest physical progress rate at 78.48%.
Monaragala followed at 76.25%, Kurunegala at 75.07% and Kandy at 74.49%.
Separate projects include transport and tourism facilities
The government also identified more than 150 special projects being implemented at district level.
These include Rs. 235 million allocated for a boat serving transport needs on Delft Island.
Another Rs. 143.99 million has been allocated to modernise Malawa Wewa in Kekirawa and support tourism activities.
The programme also includes Rs. 100 million for a freshwater fish breeding centre in Rasnayakapura and Rs. 100 million for a tourism village in Polonnaruwa.
The government has not published completion certificates or individual expenditure statements for these projects in the November 3 announcement.
The next financial progress report will provide a basis for examining whether the difference between physical completion and reported spending has narrowed.
