17 December 2023 04:15 pm Views - 1347
He said this while attending the Special District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting in Badulla District yesterday (16).
"Starting from the next fiscal year, the districts will receive a decentralized budget based on the available number of seats. Additionally, the Upcountry program, aimed at supporting isolated mountain villages, has commenced, with each divisional secretariat receiving 10 million. Plans are in place to incrementally increase this support," he said.
"Financial allocations to provincial councils will contribute to the overall funding available to each district. Capital expenditure at the ministry level, along with foreign aid-supported projects, will be integrated into the funding structure. President Wickremesinghe highlighted that this comprehensive approach, combining resources from various channels, aims to commence the work by July 2024," he added.
President Wickremesinghe expressed plans to establish committees at the provincial level, collaborating with district development committees. These committees, comprising district chairpersons, members and officers, will oversee development activities in their respective divisional secretariats. Provincial Council projects will be initiated through the Governor, while Central Government projects will be managed by relevant institutions.
The President anticipates commencing these initiatives by July of the upcoming year.
He highlighted the stagnation in the country's development over the past three years, citing halted projects, including highway construction. With the successful collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), development projects are set to recommence systematically. Acknowledgment from creditors, including the Paris Organization, India and China, has paved the way for renewed discussions and foreign aid.
The President expects to provide updates on projects slated for immediate commencement in the early months of the coming year.
The President outlined the financial measures for development, emphasizing the allocation of funds from the 2024 budget. This funding, collected through income tax, is crucial for the country's developmental needs. The President emphasized the need to initiate projects with dedication, acknowledging that while all projects cannot be launched in a single year, a gradual commencement is anticipated with a focus on prioritized initiatives.