HE the President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, together with the Finance Commission, has issued instructions for the direct disbursement of funds from central ministries to provincial councils starting next year. As a result, the coming year is expected to mark a significant leap forward in the development of the Northern Province. This was stated by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The appointment ceremony for the positions of Technical Service Officers of the Sri Lanka Engineering Service and Allied Services was held at the Office of the Chief Secretary in Kaithady on Wednesday morning -12 November 2025.
Attending the event as the Chief Guest, the Hon. Governor delivered a speech in which he stated: Today, we gather at a significant moment in the history of the Northern Province. After a long interval, we are pleased to welcome four engineers and thirty-nine technical officers to our provincial service. This appointment is not merely a matter of employment — it marks the beginning of renewed hope and progress for the future development of our province.
The committee headed by the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasooriya, after careful consideration, has granted approval for appointments across all provinces. First and foremost, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude for this decision. Under this approval, we have been permitted to recruit 551 individuals to fill vacancies in various departments within the Northern Province.
With the approval to recruit seventy-five Technical Officers into the service, we invited applications through the Provincial Public Service Commission. We received hundreds of responses, reflecting the strong interest in serving the province. Eligible candidates were then called for the written examination, and those who successfully passed were invited to face the interview. From among them, thirty-nine of you have been selected today. This is a proud moment — a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and talent.
I would like to mention another important point here. The Provincial Public Service Commission has received numerous applications for various departments, and many qualified individuals are still waiting for employment opportunities. You have been selected from among them, earning this appointment through their missed chances. Therefore, you must value this opportunity and serve with dedication until your retirement. Accepting this position today and leaving it midway would be an injustice to those who did not get the chance to compete for it. Please keep this firmly in mind. Many departments across our province are eagerly looking forward to your service, which reflects the great value and importance of the work you do. The contribution of engineers and technical officers to the development of the province is truly immense.
Moreover, the National People’s Power Government allocated increased funds to the Northern Province last year, and an even greater allocation is expected next year. In addition, HE the President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, together with the Finance Commission, has issued directives for the direct disbursement of funds from central ministries to Provincial Councils beginning next year. Therefore, the coming year will mark a significant leap forward in the development of the Northern Province.
In the past, the Northern Province either received limited funding or the funds allocated were often utilized for projects influenced by political interference. However, that situation has now changed. There is now potential for a substantial increase in funding, and projects—especially those that address the real needs of the people—will be identified and implemented without interference. Within the Northern Province, priority should be given to developing the four districts outside Jaffna. I urge you to carry out your duties with this objective in mind.
Technical officers also play a crucial role in reviewing applications for permits to construct houses, walls, and other buildings. In the past, such work, which involves direct interaction with the public, experienced significant delays. This was partly due to a shortage of technical officers and partly because the work was often delayed in anticipation of other priorities.
There have been public allegations against technical officers regarding obtaining contracts through relatives or proxy names, signing approvals without personally visiting work sites, and similar misconduct. Even those technical officers who act honestly and conscientiously often face undue stress due to the mistakes of a few.
You have joined this service after succeeding in a rigorous competition, carrying many hopes and aspirations. Your focus must be on serving the people with integrity. Once you begin your duties, it is essential to safeguard your principles so that your dreams and goals are not diverted by the actions of others. Misconduct by some may tempt others to follow suit, but if you give in, you risk undermining your own ambitions and the good you aim to achieve.
Our government machinery has been in operation for 77 years, and some of its longstanding flaws still persist. Changing them is not easy. Yet, you must be the generation that steps forward to break that chain. Rather than continuing the cycle of corruption, negligence, and bribery, you have the opportunity to be the generation that ends it. Embrace your duties with pride and responsibility, and serve the people with diligence and competence. Let your hard work and integrity usher in a new chapter for the Northern Province and its people.
‘I believe that tomorrow, through your actions, meaningful change will be achieved. Heartiest congratulations once again — may your new journey be purposeful and bring hope to the people,’ said the Governor
The event was attended by several senior officials, including On behalf of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee Chairman and Hon. Minister R. Chandrasekar, the District Coordinating Committee’s Coordinator S. Kapilan, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province; the Secretary to the Governor; the Deputy Chief Secretary – Administration, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Engineering Services; the Deputy Chief Secretary – Personnel, and Training; the Secretary to the Public Service Commission – Northern Province and the Secretary to the Ministry of Local Government.
