A discussion regarding the issues faced by veterinary surgeons and irrigation engineers in the Northern Province and development proposals was held under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, at the Governor’s Secretariat on Tuesday – 28th October 2025.
In the meeting with veterinary surgeons, the Governor stated that in the Northern Province, livestock rearing stands next after agriculture and fishing. Many families depend on livestock for their livelihood. Changes must be brought to the living standards of those families. Instead of repeatedly doing the same things, we must think innovatively and act in the coming year. In areas like Vanni, people face difficulties in wandering with their livestock to provide treatment. Veterinary surgeons must work with dedication, said the Governor.
Thereafter, the issues faced by veterinary surgeons were discussed. Shortage of staff and vehicle problems were highlighted. Additionally, a request was made to establish a provincial-level mechanism for supplying medicines to livestock. The Governor noted that action would be taken to provide vehicle facilities on a priority basis to veterinary surgeons in the Vanni region and to appoint staff through annual transfers. Similarly, for the supply of medicines to livestock, the Governor requested the veterinary surgeons to propose the mechanism.
Subsequently, a discussion was held with provincial irrigation engineers. At the beginning of the discussion, the Governor, expressing his views, commended the engineers for the excellent progress in this year’s work plans funded by the Provincial Specific Development Grant. Similarly, next year, tank rehabilitations should be carried out in a way that allows people to engage in additional cultivation.
Furthermore, roads owned by the Irrigation Department need to be rehabilitated. If there are contradictions in the Irrigation Department rehabilitating them, they can be handed over to the Road Development Authority or the Local Authority. At the same time, complaints are received from the public that some technical officers are still carrying out contract work. Such actions cannot be allowed, said the Governor.
At the same time, the irrigation engineers explained to the Governor the problems they face in various matters, including allowances. The Governor instructed the Ministry Secretary to provide a prompt solution.
The Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. S. Sathiyaseelan; the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Services, Livestock Development, Irrigation, Fisheries, Water Supply, and Environment, Mr. S. Sivasri; and the Provincial Directors of the Department of Animal Production and Health and the Irrigation Department also participated.
