“The responsibility for driving rapid improvements in education within our province rests with all of us, including the Zonal Education Directors. It is imperative that everyone commits to this task with dedication,” said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethanayahan.
A monthly review meeting was held on Friday (22.08.2025), at the Governor’s Secretariat to assess the financial and physical progress of projects implemented this year under the Northern Provincial Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs.
Speaking at the outset of the meeting, the Governor emphasized that Zonal Education Directors are accountable for the performance of their respective regions. He stated that if the performance of school principals within a zone is found to be unsatisfactory, appropriate steps should be taken—through the Secretary to the Ministry of Education—to replace them.
In addition, the Governor noted that Zonal Education Directors have a responsibility to recognize and commend principals who perform their duties diligently and with dedication. At the same time, they must issue warnings to those who fall short in their responsibilities and, if necessary, initiate appropriate investigations should there be continued non-compliance.
The Governor emphasized that the development of each school is closely tied to the leadership of its principal. Therefore, principals must take on responsibilities that align with the specific needs of their school communities.
Zonal Education Directors are expected to conduct regular field visits to schools within their jurisdiction. During these visits, they must address any identified shortcomings and ensure proper allocation of resources. It has also been observed that some schools have a surplus of teachers, while others face shortages. In such cases, immediate steps must be taken to reassign excess staff to schools where there is a genuine need.
Following the Governor’s remarks, a detailed discussion was held on the progress of each sector—namely, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Education, the Department of Sports, and the Cultural Affairs unit.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, the Deputy Chief Secretary (Finance), the Deputy Chief Secretary (Planning), the Provincial Directors of the Departments of Education, Sports, and Cultural Affairs, as well as the Zonal Education Directors.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 20.08.2025, a monthly review meeting was held at the Governor’s Secretariat to assess the financial and physical progress of projects implemented this year under the Northern Provincial Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine, Probation, and Child Care Services.
Addressing the meeting, the Governor stated that if the allocated funds are utilized properly and within the stipulated timeframe, there is a strong likelihood of securing increased financial allocations in the coming year. He emphasized that the responsibility to achieve this lies with all officials involved.
Furthermore, the Governor instructed that immediate steps be taken to transfer doctors from the Jaffna District to other districts under the Provincial Department of Indigenous Medicine, noting the current surplus of doctors in Jaffna. He directed the Secretary to the Ministry to closely monitor and oversee the implementation of these transfers.
The functions and progress of each department under the Ministry were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Participants included the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, the Deputy Chief Secretaries for Finance, Planning, and Engineering Services, the Director of Health Services, the Commissioners of the Departments of Indigenous Medicine and probation & child care services, as well as Regional Directors of Health Services from all five districts.
