A special discussion on the effective and coordinated implementation of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, which is being carried out under the direct supervision of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in the Northern Province was held today – on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The discussion was attended, both physically and virtually, by the Provincial Coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, Mr. S. Kapilan, District Secretaries, provincial and district administrative officers, and heads of departments.
Addressing the gathering at the outset, the Hon. Governor stated that during the current year, projects were implemented separately through the central and provincial administrations. As a result, both administrations ended up carrying out the same projects. He emphasized that, in order to avoid such duplication and to ensure the efficient use of resources, both administrations must work in a coordinated manner in the future.
The Governor further instructed that, when formulating plans for the year 2026, District Secretaries should obtain implementable project proposals from all government departments within their respective districts and submit them promptly. He also noted that financial assistance for these projects could be requested through the Provincial Coordinator.
During the discussion, the Governor highlighted key areas that need to be expanded province-wide in the coming year. These included: prioritizing awareness programmes against the use of deadly narcotic drugs that harm society; creating awareness among students on road accidents and providing training for three-wheeler drivers; expanding leadership training programmes for students; promoting awareness programmes that encourage waste segregation habits for everyone, from preschool children onwards; and educating the public about the services and benefits of the President’s Fund, while ensuring that people are able to access these benefits.
Commenting during the discussion, Provincial Coordinator S. Kapilan stated that the Clean Sri Lanka programme has now been institutionalized. He noted that their objective is to ensure that the programme reaches the grassroots level, and that, taking into account past challenges, plans are in place to implement the programme in an efficient and coordinated manner in the coming year.
The discussion also reviewed programmes implemented at the district and provincial levels, and included an in-depth deliberation on the renovation of nine bus stands in the Northern Province.
Furthermore, extensive attention was given to the programme’s main objective of bringing about a “behavioral change” among the general public, as well as the methods to achieve this goal. It was decided to reconvene and take further decisions after the preparation of a comprehensive project plan for the year 2026.
