August 25, Colombo (LNW): The government will roll out a series of large-scale development initiatives beginning next month, with a particular focus on the Northern Province, according to Minister Bimal Ratnayake.
Speaking to the media, the Minister confirmed that the first phase of this national development campaign will be launched in Jaffna in early September, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Amongst the headline initiatives is the creation of a new “Coconut Triangle” in the Northern Province, with operations centred in Mullaitivu, part of the wider Vanni region. Development activities linked to this agricultural initiative are set to begin on September 02, aiming to revitalise local economies through increased cultivation and investment in supporting infrastructure.
Minister Ratnayake also highlighted plans to open an international-standard sports complex in the Mandaitivu area of Jaffna, marking a major investment in the region’s sports and recreational infrastructure. The complex is expected to serve as a hub for athletic development and regional events.
In a bid to improve public services, particularly for residents in the North, the Minister announced that a digital platform will be introduced to streamline the process of obtaining passports through the Jaffna District Secretariat. This measure is intended to resolve a longstanding grievance among locals, who have faced persistent difficulties with access to such services.
Additional development projects, spanning various sectors, are also scheduled to be launched in the coming weeks, although specific details have yet to be disclosed.
The government has indicated that these efforts are part of its strategy to deliver equitable development across all provinces, with particular emphasis on areas historically under-served.
