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Participated in a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (24) to review the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 budget allocations for the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure and to discuss the Ministry's proposals for the 2027 Budget. The discussion focused extensively on the progress of development projects being implemented by the Plantation Sector, the Community Infrastructure Sector and institutions under the State Plantation Companies, as well as their plans and funding requirements for 2027. The progress of projects relating to tea, coconut, rubber and other plantation crops, together with housing and infrastructure development projects for estate communities, was also reviewed. It was revealed during the discussion that State Plantation Companies have recorded higher profits compared to the previous year. Also stressed the importance of completing, within the stipulated timeframe, the program to construct 10,000 houses for the Malayagam community under Indian assistance and ensuring that these houses are handed over to the beneficiaries without delay. Furthermore instructed the relevant officials to expedite the completion of the program to establish 500 Tea Villages by integrating it with other rural development initiatives, including the Prajashakthi program currently being implemented at the grassroots level. The discussion further reviewed the progress of efforts to strengthen the plantation sector through the consolidation of institutions under the Ministry, as well as the implementation of replanting programs. Pointing out the need to update agreements signed by previous governments when allocating land to companies, I instructed the Ministry of Finance to appoint a committee to examine the matter and make the necessary recommendations. In addition, I instructed the relevant authorities to formulate a program to allocate underutilized state lands for investment opportunities to support the future livelihoods of Sri Lankan migrant workers returning to the country upon completion of their overseas employment.
Notes
Participated in a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (24) to review the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 budget allocations for the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure and to discuss the Ministry's proposals for the 2027 Budget. The discussion focused extensively on the progress of development projects being implemented by the Plantation Sector, the Community Infrastructure Sector and institutions under the State Plantation Companies, as well as their plans and funding requirements for 2027. The progress of projects relating to tea, coconut, rubber and other plantation crops, together with housing and infrastructure development projects for estate communities, was also reviewed. It was revealed during the discussion that State Plantation Companies have recorded higher profits compared to the previous year. Also stressed the importance of completing, within the stipulated timeframe, the programme to construct 10,000 houses for the Malayagam community under Indian assistance and ensuring that these houses are handed over to the beneficiaries without delay. Furthermore instructed the relevant officials to expedite the completion of the programme to establish 500 Tea Villages by integrating it with other rural development initiatives, including the Prajashakthi programme currently being implemented at the grassroots level. The discussion further reviewed the progress of efforts to strengthen the plantation sector through the consolidation of institutions under the Ministry, as well as the implementation of replanting programmes. Pointing out the need to update agreements signed by previous governments when allocating land to companies, I instructed the Ministry of Finance to appoint a committee to examine the matter and make the necessary recommendations. In addition, I instructed the relevant authorities to formulate a programme to allocate underutilised state lands for investment opportunities to support the future livelihoods of Sri Lankan migrant workers returning to the country upon completion of their overseas employment.