In the interest of protecting groundwater for the benefit of future generations, appropriate mechanisms will be developed to take suitable legal action to regulate the use of unauthorized tube wells, Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan emphasized.
The groundwater protection and awareness exhibition themed “Groundwater is Our Lifeline,” jointly organized by the University of Jaffna’s Research Project for Water Resource Conservation and the Northern Young Water Conservationists’ Circle, was inaugurated this evening – on Wednesday (02 September 2026), at the Weaving Industrial Training Institute premises near the Nallur Bharathiyar Statue. The Governor made the above remarks while addressing the gathering as chief guest at the event.
Speaking further, the Governor noted that in earlier times, Jaffna’s groundwater was very pure and people used to drink well water directly. However, people are now unfortunately forced to buy bottled drinking water at high prices. The quality and quantity of water have been severely affected due to the uncontrolled increase in the use of tube wells drawing groundwater after the 1950s, the improper and excessive construction of tube wells, and the mixing of wastewater with groundwater.
Therefore, suitable legal measures to regulate the use of tube wells, along with proper monitoring mechanisms, must be implemented immediately. It is necessary to put pressure on the relevant authorities to make this possible. Rainwater harvesting projects to recharge groundwater must be expanded, and proper management measures must be taken immediately to prevent wastewater and saline water from mixing with freshwater. Protecting groundwater is the collective responsibility of every individual. Everyone must come forward to give full support to such projects, which are carried out with awareness to safeguard our water resources for future generations, he stated.
The Governor also commended the contribution of Professor Sriskandarajah, who, despite residing abroad, has been conducting continuous research aimed at protecting Jaffna’s groundwater and has been leading such awareness programs and exhibitions by bringing together all sections of society, school students, teachers, and elders.
Organized for the third consecutive year to coincide with the grand festival of the Nallur Kanthaswamy Temple, this exhibition will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until Friday, the 11th of this month.
Findings obtained through hydrological studies, experiences from community participatory projects, and details related to the scientific desilting of the Valukkai Aru and rural ponds are showcased here through three-dimensional displays, news items, and images. In addition, as part of the water resources exhibition, talks along with cultural, artistic, and traditional performances will be held daily from 7:00 p.m. at the Oruny River performance venue.
Held with the cooperation of the Water Resources Board, the Irrigation Department, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Jaffna Municipal Council, the University of Jaffna, Jaffna Hindu College, Vembadi Girls’ College, and several voluntary groups, the exhibition features discussions, models, banners, research details, prize competitions, games, traditional performances, and raffle prizes.
The event was attended by, among others, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the Director of the Provincial Department of Animal Production and Health and the Deputy Director of Agriculture – Jaffna District.
