The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that all possible assistance would be provided to support the economic development of the people in Chinnavalayankaddu and Parasan Kulam, which are economically disadvantaged villages. He further noted that suitable development plans identified by the people themselves would be carefully considered to improve their livelihoods and industries.
On Thursday 26 March 2026, the Governor undertook an on-site visit to these villages, which fall under the Madhu Divisional Secretariat in Mannar District. Accompanying him were Mannar District Secretary K. Kanageswaran, Secretary of the Northern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture S. Sivasri, Divisional Secretary of Madhu Division R.C. Amalraj, and Assistant Commissioner of Local Government of Mannar District M. Shanthaseelan.
During the visit, the Hon. Governor met directly with the residents of Chinnavalayankaddu and Parasan Kulam and held detailed discussions. The people raised several long-standing issues, including the failure to dredge and rehabilitate irrigation tanks for many years, lack of maintenance of drainage canals, poor transportation facilities, and lack of electricity.
The villagers also requested support for small-scale industries to improve their economic condition, facilities for drying paddy, and rehabilitation of agricultural and transport roads. They pointed out that there is only one daily bus service from their village to Vavuniya and requested an increase in frequency. Additionally, they raised concerns about elephant threats due to overgrown vegetation along both sides of the road to Vavuniya and requested clearing of these areas, installation of street lighting, and provision of lighting for playgrounds.
The Governor also inspected several key locations, including agricultural access roads covering about 220 acres of farmland in Chinnavalayankaddu, the Pillaiyar Temple Road, and the road connecting Chinnavalayankaddu to Mullikulam. Discussions were also held regarding the resumption of agricultural activities in Valliyappalai village, which remains largely abandoned since the war. Special attention was given to the release of the Valliyappalai tank, currently under the control of the Forest Department.
Farmers proposed diverting water from the Parangi River to five irrigation tanks in their villages to support agricultural activities. The Governor assured that this matter would be discussed with relevant irrigation authorities and that prompt action would be taken.
Although sesame production is high in these villages, farmers expressed concern that due to the lack of marketing facilities, traders purchase their produce at very low prices. In response, the Governor assured that steps would be taken to establish a purchasing center and that agricultural officers would help connect farmers with leading companies for better market access.
As an initial step, the Governor mentioned that selected beneficiaries would be provided with inputs for mushroom cultivation through the Deputy Provincial Director of Agriculture. He also stated that the feasibility of greenhouse farming for an interested farmer would be explored.
The Governor also visited Kakkayankulam Muslim Maha Vidyalayam, Chinnavalayankaddu A.T.M. School, and the Chinnavalayankaddu Valarnila Preschool. During these visits, issues such as shortages of teaching staff and the need for improved classroom facilities were raised.
Teachers serving in these remote villages for more than eight years without transfers also presented their concerns. They pointed out that even teachers from other districts have been transferred back to their home areas, and suggested that at least internal transfers within the zone to areas with better transport facilities would have been beneficial.
Responding to the concerns, the Governor assured that road rehabilitation would be carried out in phases and expedited. He also instructed officials to take immediate action to clear vegetation along the road to Vavuniya.
Further addressing the gathering, the Governor emphasized that rural development is a key priority of the government led by the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He stated that villages can only be developed with the participation of capable and committed individuals. He encouraged parents to educate their children well and assured that the government would provide all necessary facilities for education.
He concluded by stating that there is no division between central and provincial administrations, and that all departments would work together to support village communities. He expressed confidence that with collective effort, these villages could become model developed villages within a few years, with full support from the government.
