A discussion on three major new investment zones to be established in the Northern Province and the investment opportunities expected within them was held today – on Saturday 03 January 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The detailed feasibility study report relating to these investment zones is scheduled to be officially submitted to the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka by the end of this month. During the meeting, progress made so far and the matters to be included in the report were discussed in detail.
In order to obtain recommendations on the types of industries and investments that could be promoted within these investment zones, the views of the respective District Secretaries were sought. It was also decided to conduct meetings in the near future with local investors, the general public of the areas where the investment zones are to be established, and political representatives.
Special attention was paid to the economic benefits and employment opportunities that would arise in the province as a result of establishing these investment zones. In particular, the meeting highlighted the need for preparatory measures to equip the youth of the province with the necessary skills to suit the thousands of jobs expected to be created.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province; the District Secretaries of Jaffna and Kilinochchi; the Additional District Secretary (Lands) of Mullaitivu; and the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning.
In addition, the Director of the Business Linkage Unit of the University of Jaffna and Project Coordinator of the Board of Investment’s feasibility study, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor K. Bakeerathan; the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. K. Surendrakumar; as well as a panel of experts comprising senior lecturers and lecturers, also participated.
