A special public meeting to examine the damages caused by recent disasters and the day-to-day issues faced by the people in the villages of Ambalapperumal Kulam and Koddaikaddiya Kulam, which fall under the Thunukkai Divisional Secretary’s Division in the Mullaitivu District, was held this evening – on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, under the chairmanship of the Governor of Northern Province, Hon. N. Vethanayahan.
At the meeting, which took place at Koddaikaddiya Kulam Maha Vidyalayam, the people of the area expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the Governor visiting their village, accompanied by provincial ministry secretaries and relevant officials. Following this, solutions were provided to the requests raised by the people.
The people pointed out that the main road from Thenniyankulam Junction to Ambalapperumal Kulam Junction has completely deteriorated. As a solution, it was announced that one section of the road would be reconstructed by the Road Development Authority and the remaining section by the Road Development Department.
Furthermore, it was assured that the school road within the village, the rear road of Koddaikaddiya Kulam School, and Vidaththai Road would be rehabilitated through the Department of Local Government.
Regarding the request for a government bus service connecting seven villages from Amaithipuram to the Thunukkai Divisional Secretariat, the Governor pointed out that the Northern Province Passenger Transport Authority has already granted permission for a private bus service.
It was decided to submit a proposal for constructing a permanent bridge to replace the dangerous and damaged causeway (kalingu) in the Ambalapperumal Kulam area, and until then, the Governor assured that it would be temporarily repaired to make it suitable for public use.
Additionally, the Irrigation Department stated that it is ready to take action to prevent flooding caused by the failure to desilt the outflow canals of the Koddaikaddiya Kulam and Ambalapperumal Kulam. However, the Provincial Irrigation Department Engineer pointed out that permission from the Forest Department is required. The Governor instructed that the necessary permission be obtained through the Divisional Secretary.
As a solution to the need to travel to distant hospitals for emergency medical requirements, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health stated that, as a first step, arrangements would be made for a medical clinic to operate one day a week in a public building. Furthermore, the Governor assured that a water purification plant to provide clean drinking water to both villages would be established through the Local Government Department or alternative means.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Education noted that the teacher shortages and infrastructure needs of the schools would be addressed favourably. A request was made for funding to construct a hall with a store at the Ambalapperumal Kulam public playground. The Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education responded that funding has already been allocated for that playground in the next year’s budget. The Governor also noted that the matter of erecting an elephant fence to protect residences from elephants would be taken into consideration.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said, “Development must turn towards the villages. Only when officials visit and see the people’s problems in person can they understand their depth. That is why I have come to meet you with the officials. It is pleasing that the youth in this area are not addicted to bad habits such as alcohol consumption. You are all setting an example for everyone,” he praised.
The meeting was attended by secretaries of the Northern Province Ministries, heads of departments, the Thunukkai Divisional Secretary, the Hon. Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha, the Zonal Director of Education, Planning Director of the District Secretariat, and many other senior officials as well as the public.
