Times are changing. We have now stepped into a new era of change. I kindly invite you to place your trust in that change, said Hon. Governor of Northern Province N. Vethanayahan in his address on Sri Lanka’s Independence Day.
Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day celebrations were held grandly this Wednesday morning (04 February 2026) at the Northern Provincial Council complex at Kaithady, organized by the Northern Provincial Council. In accordance with special instructions from the Presidential Secretariat, this was the first time such an event was organized at the provincial level. During the event, while participating, hoisting the national flag, and delivering his address, Hon. Governor of Northern Province N. Vethanayahan made the above statement.
Around 7:59 a.m., Hon. Governor of Northern Province N. Vethanayahan arrived at the venue and was formally welcomed by Northern Province Chief Secretary Mrs. Thanuja Murugeson. Following this, the Governor hoisted the national flag. During this, students from Jaffna Hindu Ladies’ College sang the national anthem in Tamil, and students from St. Patrick’s College sang it in Sinhala. Subsequently, a two-minute silence was observed in tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Thereafter, in delivering the Independence Day address, the Governor stated that while Independence Day had been viewed in the North in past times as a dark day, the current government led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is rapidly building trust on the principle that “actions matter more than words.” He pointed out that the release of lands that had been held for decades without any political conditions to their rightful owners is the best evidence of good governance. He also highlighted that during the recent devastating ‘Ditwah’ cyclone disaster, the central government immediately released sufficient funds to the Northern Provincial Council, confirming that we have not been left alone.
Continuing his address, the Governor said: “In the past, we have opposed or viewed with suspicion many good development projects that came to our province because they came from the central government or for political reasons. We cannot deny that a conservative political culture of ‘opposition is politics’ has taken root here.
However, we must reflect on how this mindset affects the future of our youth. When development projects arrive, we must learn to view them not through a political lens, but through a development perspective: ‘What benefit will this bring to our people?’ ‘How many job opportunities will it create for our youth?’
The world is moving fast. If we continue clinging to old slogans and reject incoming opportunities, the situation where our next generation seeks employment abroad or in other districts will not change. Therefore, embracing projects that come for the benefit of the people and ensuring their success is wise politics. Constructive criticism is needed, but blind opposition is equivalent to us blocking our own progress.”
Furthermore, the Governor requested that the North’s participation is essential in the national programs being implemented across the country today, such as ‘Clean Sri Lanka’, ‘Digitalization’ for corruption-free administration, ‘Poverty Alleviation’ to reduce the poverty index, ‘Drug Eradication’ to protect youth, and ‘Prajashakthi’ to strengthen the rural economy. He urged that these should not be viewed politically but utilized for the welfare of our people. He also noted that three new investment zones are to be established in the North, which has already attracted international investors’ attention, and that projects like the Paranthan chemical factory and cement factory are set to be revived. He stated that a prosperous North will soon become a reality.
The event was adorned with school students’ band performances, National Cadet Corps parades, and cultural programs. Band groups from Hartley College, Uduvil Girls’ College, Nelliyady Central College, Chavakachcheri Hindu College, and Meesalai Veerasingam Central College provided band music. Cadet parades were presented by students from Tellippalai Mahajana College, Jaffna Hindu Ladies’ College, and Uduvil Girls’ College. Scout parades were presented by students from Hartley College, Nelliyady Central College, Thumbalai Sivapragasam Vidyalayam, and Kallady Roman Catholic Vidyalayam.
Additionally, Inniyam parades were performed by students from Jaffna Hindu College and Tellippalai Union College. A cultural parade by students from Deniya and Sri Murugan preschools, representing all ethnic groups of the country, also took place.
Further, colourful performances included sempu dance, kolattam, sirattai kummi, and peacock dance by students from Pungudutivu Maha Vidyalayam; karagattam and oyilattam by students from Laya Natya School; Kandyan dance performances by students from Ransilu Academy at Weli Oya and Parakumparama Maha Vidyalaya; kolattam and raban performances by students from Osmaniya College; silambam performances by students from Chivaleeman Silambam College; and Sinhala dance by students from Weli Oya Maduranga Dance Academy.
The event was attended by a large gathering including leaders of all religions, Consul General Sai Murali from the Indian Consulate in Jaffna, Commander Security Forces Jaffna Major General KTP De Silva, Commander Security Forces Wanni, Commander Northern Naval Area, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Northern Province, Group Captain of the Air Force, Secretaries of Northern Province Ministries, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Chairman of the Northern Province Tourism Bureau, Chairman of the Provincial Public Service Commission, Heads of Northern Province Departments, government officers, school students, and the general public.
At the conclusion of the event, the Governor distributed coconut plants to children, followed by a vote of thanks by the Chief Secretary of Northern Province and the event ended successfully.
