John Keells Foundation launched the Praja Shakthi initiative in Kompanna Veediya on 24th October 2018 at the Kichilan Reception Hall, Colombo 2 from 9.00 am – 2.00 p.m. The objective of this programme was to empower the Kompanna Veediya adults and youth through awareness on expanding career opportunities for youth and others in the current context of development in Colombo and Sri Lanka, the skills and mindsets that are required to benefit from such opportunities, and the importance of safeguarding community health, safety and security through awareness creation on gender and child protection as well as prevention of substance abuse.

The awareness programme began with company presentations by Dishan De Silva – property sector, Mohammed Nilshard – Retails, Terrence Fernando and Jancolan Fernando – Cinnamon Red highlighting the opportunities for youth within these sectors. This was followed by a segment on child protection & GBV and Substance abuse conducted by Grassrooted Trust and NDDCB respectively.

The programme was attended by approximately 75 members of the community including community leaders, community police and outreach officers.