Northern Province Governor Hon. N. Vethanayahan pointed out that many complaints have been raised by the public stating that when they lodge complaints with local authorities regarding illegal constructions, the authorities fail to respond immediately; instead, they investigate only after the construction has been completed. He stressed that immediate action must be taken on such complaints from the public, and that if this is not done, inquiries will be initiated against the relevant officials.
The monthly review meeting on the financial and physical progress of the projects implemented this year under the Ministries of Finance and Planning, Law and Order, Lands, Power, Housing and Construction, Tourism, Local Government, Provincial Administration, Rural Development, Road Development, Motor Traffic and Transport, and the monthly meeting with the Secretaries of the Local Authorities, was held today – on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat.
The Secretaries of the Local Authorities reported that due to inadequate cooperation from the Department of Valuation regarding the assessment activities of Local Authorities, the work is being carried out through private entities. However, as these tasks must be completed by 2026, the Governor instructed that they be carried out with the cooperation of both private entities and the Department of Valuation.
During the progress review, detailed discussions were held on the progress of each project under the Local Government Ministry, Local Government Department, Provincial Rural Development Department, Road Development Department, Tourism Bureau, and Road Passenger Transport Authority.
The General Manager of the Road Passenger Transport Authority stated that measures have been taken to regulate traffic according to the revised school hours. Discussions were also held regarding the estimated costs for the renovation of bus stands under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative.
During the review of the Road Development Department’s progress, it was observed that the activities in the Kilinochchi District were lagging. Delays caused by contractors and several other issues were pointed out. The Governor instructed that immediate corrective action be taken.
The Governor stressed that the Tourism Bureau must work in coordination with other departments and stakeholders involved in the tourism sector. He also highlighted the lack of restrooms in tourist locations and the poor condition of existing facilities. He recommended repairing the existing restrooms and outsourcing maintenance work to the private sector under contractual arrangements.
Emphasizing the importance of investors, the Governor urged municipal and local council secretaries to approach this matter with progressive thinking. He requested that necessary support be provided to existing investors from whom the councils are already receiving tax revenue.
With adverse weather conditions expected in the coming days, the Governor instructed that preparation measures be taken. He emphasized that council secretaries must work together with local disaster management committees and must keep their mobile phones switched on during emergency situations.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor, the Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning, the Commissioner of Local Government – Northern Province, Provincial Directors, Municipal Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners of Local Government and the Secretaries of Local Authorities.
