The government aims to eradicate poverty within the current generation by empowering low-income communities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage said.

Issuing a message to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which falls today (17), the Minister said eliminating poverty remains a key priority of the National People’s Power (NPP) government.

He said the government’s approach goes beyond providing financial assistance, focusing instead on strengthening the economic and social capacities of vulnerable communities through self-employment, income-generating opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister noted that the government has introduced the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme to eradicate poverty and empower rural communities by identifying their needs and improving living standards.

He said Rs. 25 billion has been allocated for the programme under the 2026 Budget, with plans to implement at least one development project in every Grama Niladhari Division across the country.

Minister Pannilage further emphasised that poverty eradication requires the collective efforts of government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and local communities.

He also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty through long-term solutions while ensuring that no individual or family is left behind in the country’s development process.

The Minister reiterated that the government’s ultimate objective is to build a poverty-free Sri Lanka where social justice is ensured and every citizen has the opportunity to lead a dignified life. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s elderly population is projected to exceed 24% of the country’s total population by 2041, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Panilage told Parliament today (06), highlighting the growing challenges posed by an ageing population.

The Minister said the government has already identified the challenges associated with the demographic shift and is taking several measures to protect the rights of senior citizens and provide them with necessary assistance.

According to the Department of Census and Statistics’ 2024 population report, Sri Lanka currently has around 3.9 million people aged 60 years and above, accounting for 18.2% of the total population.

Of the country’s elderly population, 58.33% are women, while 43.67% are men, the Minister said.

Referring to the country’s demographic trends, Panilage said the proportion of elderly people stood at around 6% in 1981, while subsequent population data have shown a significant increase in the ageing population.

He said projections by experts indicate that the trend will continue, with more than one in four Sri Lankans approaching the elderly age group by 2041, when the share of those aged 60 and above is expected to surpass 24%.

The Minister said the government is also working on new legislation for the protection of the rights of elders as part of measures to respond to the country’s rapidly ageing population. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka saw its largest debt repayment in 2025, according to Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Upali Pannilage.

Speaking at an awareness program for community development council representatives in Kurunegala, the Minister said that while many had claimed the biggest repayment would fall in 2028, the government in 2025 settled a debt installment of USD 3,900 million. 

By contrast, he noted, the repayment due in 2028 amounts to only USD 3.2 million.

He further explained that despite spending between USD 2,100 and 2,200 million on vehicle imports in 2025, the government was able to record a surplus of USD 1,700 million. 

This surplus was achieved because out of the USD 29,300 million earned that year, only about USD 27,600 million was spent. (Newswire)

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A Quo Warranto application has been filed against Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Professor Upali Pannilage, seeking his disqualification as an MP.

The application was filed by public interest litigant Oshala Herath at the Court of Appeal, stating that Prof. Upali Pannilage had been appointed as a Member of Parliament under the National People’s Power (NPP) National List and was appointed a Cabinet Minister while being an officer in a public corporation.

The petitioner points out that Minister Upali Pannilage was serving as an officer of the University of Ruhuna, which is a public corporation, making him hold a contract and interest in the contract made by or on behalf of the state. 

Pointing out that the Constitution of Sri Lanka bars individuals who hold any interest in public contracts from election as a Member of Parliament, the petitioner added that it is evident that Minister Upali Pannilage is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament. (Newswire)

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