The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, emphasized that local authorities must commence cleaning drainages and culverts under their jurisdiction before the onset of the monsoon season. He also urged the removal of illegal constructions that have encroached on these waterways, taking into account the flood risks experienced last year. The Governor further requested that all secretaries of local authorities follow the example of a few who have taken action to remove illegal constructions.
A monthly discussion to review the financial and physical progress of projects implemented this year under the Ministries of Finance and Planning, Law and Order, Land, Electricity, Housing and Construction, Tourism, Local Government, Provincial Administration, Rural Development, Road Development, Motor Traffic, and Transport, as well as a monthly discussion with the secretaries of local authorities, was held today, Wednesday (03.09.2025), at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Honorable Governor N. Vethanayahan.
Speaking at the outset of the discussion, the Governor urged department heads to pay greater attention to the quality of roads being constructed and to personally inspect project sites. He also emphasized prioritizing road repairs based on the needs of the people. Pointing out that some departments take a month to respond to letters, the Governor described this as an unacceptable practice and instructed department heads to respond to correspondence promptly. He further directed them to have all relevant data at their fingertips and to provide services in a manner that wins the hearts of the people.
The Governor highlighted that the ultimate goal of the province’s overall development is to improve the quality of life for its people, noting that merely constructing buildings or roads is insufficient without this focus.
The Governor also urged local authorities to focus on increasing their revenue and to take steps to attract investors. He stressed that all sabhas must complete the review of the assessment tax. Additionally, he commended the mobile service initiative conducted regionally by the Vavuniya South Tamil Pradeshiya Sabha as an exemplary effort and encouraged other sabhas to undertake similar initiatives.
Subsequently, detailed discussions were held on the progress of projects under the Local Government Ministry, Local Government Department, District Local Government Assistant Commissioners’ Offices, Provincial Rural Development Department, Road Development Department, Tourism Authority, and Road Passenger Transport Authority.
A discussion on controlling stray dogs followed. The Northern Province Local Government Ministry, Health Ministry, and Agriculture Ministry had previously deliberated on this project, and clarifications were provided to the secretaries of local authorities. The project, which involves sterilizing female dogs, is set to continue for three years. The initial phase will commence in Delft, with plans to launch the project in urban areas across all districts.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretary of the Local Government Ministry, the Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, the Director of the Buildings Department, Provincial Directors, and secretaries of local authorities.
