President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that land rightfully belongs to the people, emphasizing that land disputes in the Northern Province are under review, with steps being taken to expedite their resolution.
Speaking at the Jaffna District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting at the Jaffna District Secretariat yesterday (31), the President stated that while the government has the authority to acquire land for development or security purposes, affected individuals must be provided with alternative land.
Key Announcements & Development Initiatives
- Repurposing Jaffna President’s House – The government will transform the Jaffna President’s House into a project of significance for the local community. Officials have been asked to submit proposals for its new use.
- Addressing War Displacement – The President directed officials to take swift action regarding families still displaced due to the war.
- State Employment Opportunities – A committee led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister has identified 30,000 vacancies in state institutions, which will be filled through a fair recruitment process. Tamil-speaking youth will be given increased opportunities in the Police Department.
- Transport Sector Overhaul – A joint bus operation between the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private operators will be launched, along with an increase in train services to improve mobility in the region.
- Industrial Development & Investment – Three new industrial zones will be established in Paranthan, Mankulam, and Kankesanthurai to boost employment and economic growth. Sri Lankans who emigrated due to the war are invited to invest in these projects.
- Tourism Expansion – With Sri Lanka expecting 2.5 million tourists next year, the government will identify and promote new attractions in the Northern Province to enhance regional tourism.
- Water Supply & Infrastructure – The Northern Province has the lowest piped drinking water consumption in the country. The government will accelerate existing water projects and allocate new funds in the upcoming budget to expand access to clean drinking water.
- Diplomatic Efforts on Fisheries Issues – The government will engage in diplomatic discussions to resolve the ongoing fisheries-related concerns in the region.
President Dissanayake assured that all new public sector recruitments in the Northern Province will be carried out without political interference. He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to improving education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, and public services in the region, stating that political and state mechanisms must work together to uplift living standards.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Minister of Fisheries Ramalijngam Chandrasekar, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake, MPs from NPP, ITAK, and AITC, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, Chief Secretary Lilangovan, Jaffna District Secretary M. Pradeepan, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya, senior military officials, and other government representatives.