Sri Lanka's government has initiated over 100 income-generating projects nationwide under the 'Punarudaye Purawara' programme, allocating Rs. 2,500 million to help local authorities achieve financial independence.

The Sri Lankan government has rolled out more than 100 income-generating projects across the country as part of its 'Punarudaye Purawara' national programme, with Rs. 2,500 million in funding directed toward strengthening local government institutions' financial capacity. The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government facilitated the allocation through performance-based capital grants in the 2026 Budget, with launch ceremonies held nationwide on Friday.

Local government bodies submitted project proposals that were evaluated by a special committee using criteria including current revenue levels, prior-year performance, and the ability to recover full project costs within five years. The approved initiatives span diverse sectors aimed at both generating revenue and improving community welfare. Projects include commercial ventures such as shopping complexes, fitness centres, restaurants and parking facilities, alongside infrastructure like drinking-water systems, solar power installations, and electric vehicle charging stations. Other approved projects encompass social amenities including preschools, children's parks, auditoriums, funeral halls and crematoriums, along with specialised facilities like building-material testing laboratories and concrete production plants.

The programme reflects the government's strategy to reduce local authorities' dependency on central government allocations and encourage fiscal self-reliance. Senior government officials including Public Administration Minister Chandana Abeyratne, Provincial Councils and Local Government Deputy Minister Ruwan Senarath, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunarathne presided over launch ceremonies in Puttalam, Hambantota, and Kurunegala respectively. This initiative complements an earlier component of the same programme that launched construction of 800 rural bridges across the country in July.