By: Isuru Parakrama
January 31, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to returning land to its rightful owners in the Northern Province, stressing that the land belonging to the people should remain with them.
During a meeting of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee (DCC) held today, the President highlighted that the issue of land disputes in the region is under active review, with steps being taken to expedite the process of restitution.
The President made it clear that while the government holds the authority to acquire land for development or security purposes, it is essential that those affected are provided with alternative land.
This assurance was made in line with the government’s broader objectives to ensure fairness and justice for the people of the Northern Province.
The President’s Media Division (PMD) reported that the government is working to resolve these matters swiftly.
At the meeting, President Dissanayake also revealed plans to repurpose the President’s House in Jaffna for a more meaningful project that would benefit the people of the region.
He called on officials to submit detailed proposals for this initiative to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
Addressing the continuing challenges faced by displaced families from the war, the President directed authorities to investigate reports that many such families are still residing in the Northern Province.
Dissanayake urged swift action to address their needs and provide necessary support.
The meeting also touched on employment opportunities in the public sector. President Dissanayake noted that a committee led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister had identified approximately 30,000 vacancies in various state institutions.
He assured that these vacancies would be filled in accordance with established procedures, creating opportunities for university graduates and young professionals in the region.
Additionally, the President called for increased recruitment of Tamil-speaking youth into the Police Department, emphasising the importance of their involvement in national security.
In a further push to improve infrastructure, the government has laid out plans to enhance the transportation network in the Northern Province.
A new initiative will see the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) collaborate with private bus operators to launch joint bus services, while train services in the region will also be expanded to meet growing demand.
To bolster the local economy, President Dissanayake announced the creation of three new industrial zones in Paranthan, Mankulam, and Kankesanthurai, which are expected to improve the livelihoods of the people in these areas.
He also invited Sri Lankans who had left the country due to the war to consider investing in these projects, thus contributing to the region’s revitalisation.
Tourism is another sector set to benefit from government efforts, with the President revealing plans to promote the Northern Province as a tourist destination.
With an estimated 2.5 million visitors expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in the coming year, the government aims to identify and develop new attractions in the region to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy.
Furthermore, the President addressed the issue of water supply in the Northern Province, which currently has the lowest consumption of piped drinking water in the country.
He announced that funds had been allocated in the upcoming budget to accelerate ongoing water supply projects, as well as to implement new initiatives to improve access to clean drinking water for residents.
President Dissanayake also underscored the government’s focus on strengthening key sectors in the Northern Province, including education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, and public service.
He emphasised the need for close collaboration between political authorities and state mechanisms to uplift the living standards of the people in the region.
The meeting was attended by a wide range of key figures, including Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalijngam Chandrasekar, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake, and several Members of Parliament, as well as senior officials from the military and police.
