Launch of “Queen Kiddangi Park” Traditional Canal Boat Ride Project under the “One Thousand Projects in One Thousand Villages” Programme
With the patronage of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, the inauguration ceremony of the traditional canal boat ride project named “Queen Kiddangi Park” was held on 02 June 2026 under the theme “One Thousand Projects in One Thousand Villages.” The project was implemented by combining the Chavalakkada and Sorikalmunai–01 Grama Niladhari Divisions within the Navithanveli Divisional Secretariat Division.
The event was held under the patronage of the Divisional Secretary of Navithanveli, Mrs. Rahulanayahi Sajindren.
The Chief Guest at the occasion was Hon. L. G. Wasantha Piyathissa, Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment and Chairman of the District Coordination Committee. The Special Guest was Mr. Anupama Mangala Wickramarachchi, District Secretary/Government Agent of Ampara District. The Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. Bandara, also participated in the event.
Among the distinguished participants were Mr. A. I. Mahroob, Chief Accountant of the Ampara District Secretariat; Mr. M. A. Munasir, Director of Planning; Mr. I. M. Faris, Accountant; Mr. A. A. H. M. Adhikari, Deputy Director of Planning; Mr. I. Rubasanthan, Chairman of the Navithanveli Pradeshiya Sabha; Mr. Indrajith De Silva, Officer-in-Charge of the Savalakkadai Police Station; Mr. K. Rizvi Yahsar, Accountant of the Navithanveli Divisional Secretariat; Mrs. Thilakarani Kirubairajah, Deputy Director of Planning; Mr. O. G. Keerthi Kusuminda, Administrative Officer; Mr. S. Sivam, Samurdhi Headquarters Manager; Mr. P. Nithiyananthan, Additional District Registrar; Social Empowerment Officers, Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Development Officers, Development Officers, Chairpersons of Community Development Societies, media personnel, and a large number of members of the public.
In addition, several other projects under the programme were ceremonially launched on the same day under the leadership of the Divisional Secretary and the Deputy Director of Planning. These included:
- A carpentry skills development and marketing enhancement initiative implemented through the Rural Development Society in the Sorikkalmunai–03 Grama Niladhari Division;
- A project for the production of curd, ghee and milk toffee targeting vulnerable women-headed households in the Central Camp–03 Grama Niladhari Division; and
- The establishment of a Coconut-Based Value Addition and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Centre in the Navithanveli–02 Grama Niladhari Division.
These events were attended by Social Empowerment Officers, Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Development Officers, Praja Shakthi Chairpersons, members of Community Development Societies, and members of the public.
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