“During my tenure as District Secretary, there were various instances of political interference in the selection of beneficiaries for housing schemes. However, in the housing program currently being implemented by the Provincial Council, we have ensured that the selection of beneficiaries is carried out independently and transparently, without any political interference,” said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
In accordance with the instructions of the Presidential Secretariat, the inaugural event for the implementation of the housing programs of the Provincial Councils under the theme “National Housing Program – 2026” was held across the country today – on Thursday 12 March 2026. Accordingly, the inaugural event for the Northern Province was successfully held at the Manthai East Divisional Secretariat in the Mullaitivu District.
At the beginning of the event, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Thirunavukkarasu Kirubakaran, who served as an Income Tax Inspector at the Manthai East Pradeshiya Sabha and passed away untimely yesterday after being bitten by a snake.
The Governor, who attended the event as the Chief Guest and delivered a special address, stated that the main policy of the current government is to ensure that no one in the country remains homeless. Various ministries and Provincial Councils are jointly implementing this initiative, and 31,000 houses are planned to be constructed this year.
Under the housing project implemented through the funds allocated to the Northern Province, priority has been given to areas where the need is greatest. Requests received for housing assistance are forwarded to the Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, and houses are provided only after confirming through field visits whether the applicants are eligible beneficiaries. This is further verified through the respective Divisional Secretaries. In this way, the selection of beneficiaries has been carried out with a high level of transparency.
In the past, the lists of beneficiaries for housing schemes were often submitted by ministers. However, no beneficiary for our housing scheme has been selected by ministers or ruling party Members of Parliament. The selection has been carried out entirely independently by government officials.
Addressing the beneficiaries, he said, “This house belongs to you. You should complete the construction within the stipulated time, keeping in mind that it is the foundation for a prosperous life for your family. Your children should live happily in that house, pursue their education well, and progress in life. The true development of your village does not depend on roads alone; it depends on the education of your children.
Furthermore, we will take appropriate steps through the district administration to ensure that you are able to obtain the raw materials required for this housing scheme at a reasonable price,” he assured.
Hon. Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran, who also addressed the gathering, clearly explained to the people the policies and development initiatives of the current government.
A sum of 151 million rupees has been allocated for this project from the Development Grant Fund earmarked for the Northern Province. Under this program, 75 new houses valued at 1.8 million rupees each will be constructed, while 32 houses will be renovated at a cost of 0.5 million rupees each.
Accordingly, cheques were presented to 12 beneficiaries selected from the Manthai East and Thunukkai Divisional Secretariat Divisions by the distinguished guests at the event, while the funds for the remaining beneficiaries were deposited directly into their bank accounts.
Following this, the foundation stones were laid for one house in Vinayagapuram under the Manthai East Divisional Secretariat Division and for three houses in the Vannivilankulam area.
The event was held under the chairmanship of A. Sothinathan, Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Finance, Planning and Local Government of the Northern Province. Hon. K. Ilankumaran, Member of Parliament representing the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee, attended the event as the Special Guest.
The event was also attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan; the Additional District Secretary of Mullaitivu District, Mrs. Manjuladevi Satheesan; the Manthai East Divisional Secretary, Ms. M. Sarmilee; the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government, Mr. T. Ratheeswaran; the Secretary of the Manthai East Pradeshiya Sabha, Mrs. P. Sivatharsini; Hon. Members of the Pradeshiya Sabha; government officials; and beneficiaries.
