Messures underway to resolve issues faced by Samurdhi Officers –Minister

On Jan 20, 2025

Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Minister, Dr. Upali Pannilage, said that steps are being taken to promptly resolve the issues faced by Samurdhi Development Officers (SDO) and staff.

The Minister expressed these views at the inauguration ceremony of the National Community Empowerment Programme held at the Gampaha District Secretariat Auditorium.

In line with the government’s policy statement “A Prosperous Nation – A Beautiful Life,” the Samurdhi Development Department is implementing this programme with the aim of empowering low-income communities.

Under this project, awareness will be raised among Divisional Secretaries, Heads of State institutions, and Samurdhi Managers.

Furthermore, the goal of the initiative is to empower 2 million low-income families over the next five years.

Addressing the event Minister Pannilage further stated that the Government will launch the National Campaign for Empowering Poor Families within the next two to three weeks to eradicate poverty. This programme aims to enable citizens of low-income families to rise independently through five main themes.

He also mentioned that the Samurdhi programme has been operational in the country for over three decades and that there are numerous serious issues faced by its workforce of over 25,000 employees, including the inability to receive pensions and the lack of a proper promotion system. Examinations and interviews required for promotions will be conducted within the first six months of this year, and the issue of pensions will be resolved within a few weeks, the Minister added.

Several guests including the Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Malarmadi Gangadharan, Gampaha District Secretary Lalinda Gamage, and Gampaha District Samurdhi Director Shanika Jayasinghe were present at the event.

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