The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, personally visited today – on Friday 25 September 2026, to inspect various matters including the solid waste management facility of the Mannar Urban Council, the development of the Mannar Paalaththadi (Bridge side) tourism area and the long standing land issue faced by the people of Neelasenai.
District Secretary of the Mannar district K. Kanakeswaran, Mannar Divisional Secretary K. Kantheepan and Sajith – Coordinator to the Chairman of the Mannar District Coordinating Committee, participated in this field visit.
As the first step, the Governor personally visited the solid waste management facility belonging to the Mannar Urban Council, located in the Kurusunagar–Chinnakkadai area. The Secretary of the Mannar Urban Council was also present there.
The Governor was informed of complaints that the people living nearby have been facing foul odours due to the waste dumped at this facility, which is situated on approximately 10 acres of land. Subsequently, a recommendation was also put forward to raise the walls of the solid waste management facility.
Furthermore, the Governor’s attention was drawn to the problems caused by the frequent burning of the waste piles there.
Meanwhile, the Governor also personally inspected the sites allocated for the incineration facility and recycling centre to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 80 million under the Provincial Specific Development Grant (PSDG) funds of the Northern Provincial Council.
In addition, the Governor stressed that the Mannar Urban Council should accept only segregated waste. He also warned that otherwise the particular area would become a very serious waste dump.
It was stated that the company which had previously been purchasing the plastic waste collected is currently no longer purchasing it, and the Governor said that he would look into this matter.
Following this, the Governor also personally visited the land allocated for the cultural hall. He also stated that steps would be taken to submit the relevant request to the appropriate Ministry.
Thereafter, the Governor inspected the development work of the nature park being carried out by the Urban Council at Mannar Paalaththadi. He advised that necessary measures be taken to further expedite the work.
Following this, the group led by the Governor also visited the observation deck established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Thereafter, the Governor personally visited the Neelasenai area, which has been affected by a land issue for a long period and inquired about the situation.
It was stated that the Central Irrigation Department had pointed out issues regarding the relevant settlements as they are located within the catchment area of the Giant’s Tank. However, as people have been residing in the area for a long period, a request was made on behalf of the residents to take steps to provide them with the lands belonging to them.
After examining this matter, the Governor advised that a survey map be obtained, a committee comprising the relevant parties be appointed, and the situation be comprehensively examined to arrive at an appropriate decision.
It is noteworthy that today’s field visit was undertaken as part of the measures to personally observe the practical issues prevailing in various parts of Mannar District, discuss them with the relevant parties and move towards solutions.
