The long-awaited reconstruction of the Columbuthurai fishing jetty in Jaffna commenced on Thursday (18), offering renewed prospects for fisher families while also contributing to the beautification of the area.
The project, valued at Rs. 140 million, is funded by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources. The inauguration ceremony was held at the jetty with the participation of Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayahan, Members of Parliament, officials, and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Chandrasekar highlighted that the project was initiated following repeated requests from stakeholders. “I presented this matter at the Cabinet, and the Government immediately approved the project with an allocation of Rs. 140 million,” he said. He further noted that the Government, having steered the country through economic hardship, has now entered a new phase of development, with major undertakings such as framing a new Constitution ahead.
Governor Vethanayahan, speaking at the event, stressed that development must go beyond physical infrastructure to uplift people’s lives. “Even during my time as Jaffna GA, I tried to push this project forward, but it could not be realised then. Today, under the present Government, it has become a reality. Within just one year of assuming office, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has initiated several major development programmes in the North, and this project is one of them,” he remarked.
Situated just three kilometres from Jaffna town, the Columbuthurai fishing jetty is expected to strengthen the livelihoods of fisher families while transforming the surrounding village into a more vibrant and attractive settlement.
Among those present at the event were MPs K. Ilangkumar, S. Sripavanandarasa and J. Rajeevan, Municipal Councillors, Fisheries Ministry Secretary Golith Kamal Jinadasa, the Jaffna Divisional Secretary, and local residents.
