Government Accelerates Rural Electrification While Reinforcing Inclusive Leadership and Youth Empowerment
The Government has intensified its commitment to improving the quality of life of rural communities by prioritizing electricity access for nearly 1,000 families in the Vavuniya District who continue to live without power, while simultaneously reaffirming its broader vision of inclusive governance, equal opportunity, and youth leadership.
A special District Coordinating Committee meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister of Energy Arkam Ilyas, recently reviewed the progress of the district’s electrification programme and identified key measures to accelerate the expansion of electricity services.
Officials revealed that more than 200 families in Vavuniya have already been connected to the national grid during this year, with discussions focusing on expediting connections for the remaining households in collaboration with Electricity Distribution Lanka Ltd.
The meeting also outlined several priority initiatives, including securing funding to construct new electricity distribution lines along 15 roads, providing financial assistance to low-income families to obtain electricity connections, installing 32 high-capacity transformers to strengthen the district’s power supply, and restoring the electricity distribution network near the Kunjukkulam Bridge, which suffered severe damage during Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s renewed focus on rural infrastructure reflects its commitment to ensuring that development reaches every community, particularly those that have historically faced challenges in accessing essential public services.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that responsible and compassionate leadership remains fundamental to Sri Lanka’s future while addressing the President’s Guide Award and Prime Minister’s Award Ceremony organized by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association at Temple Trees on 19 July.
Addressing an audience of award recipients, parents and Girl Guide officials, the Prime Minister stated that true leadership is not defined by titles or positions of authority, but by the willingness to act responsibly, listen with compassion and work for the well-being of others.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister presented medals and certificates to 350 outstanding Girl Guides, including 338 President’s Guide Awards and 12 Prime Minister’s Awards, recognizing their discipline, resilience, integrity and dedication to community service.
Highlighting the role of the Girl Guides movement in nation-building, Dr. Amarasuriya praised the organization’s long-standing commitment to providing equal opportunities for every child, regardless of social background or ability.
She observed that Sri Lanka has made significant progress in expanding opportunities for girls and women across every sector, enabling young women to emerge as leaders in education, public service, business and community development. She stressed that every girl deserves equal opportunities to develop her talents and contribute to building a stronger and more inclusive Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister further noted that, as the country continues its programme of economic recovery and democratic reform, sustainable national progress depends not only on economic development but also on nurturing citizens with strong ethical values, integrity and a deep sense of social responsibility. In this regard, she commended the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association for its century-long contribution to shaping responsible future leaders.
Established on 21 March 1917 at Kandy High School by Miss Jenny Calverley Green under the motto “Be Prepared,” the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association has grown into one of the country’s leading voluntary youth organizations. Today, it operates through seven branches catering to different age groups and abilities, continuing to empower girls and young women through leadership training, community service and personal development.
Together, the Government’s efforts to expand rural infrastructure and its continued investment in youth leadership reflect an administration seeking to combine economic development with social inclusion, ensuring that both essential public services and opportunities for personal growth remain accessible to all Sri Lankans.
