The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the provincial administration will prioritize ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services related to mental health and neurological disorders in the Northern Province.
This special discussion concerning the integration of the “Maathavam” treatment center dedicated to children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders in the Northern Province into a formal institutional structure, along with the enhancement of its future infrastructure, was held today – on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat. The Hon. Governor made the above remarks during this meeting.
It was decided at the meeting to officially recognize the “Maathavam” treatment center, which is currently operating in a rented building, as a formal institution, and to appoint an appropriate management committee for its administration. This will function through the joint coordination of the Central Ministry of Health, the Provincial Ministry of Health, the University of Jaffna, and non-governmental organizations.
Furthermore, government land in Kaithady has been officially allocated to the Provincial Department of Health for the construction of a new treatment center. Detailed discussions were also held regarding modern building plans prepared by subject experts and the necessary financial arrangements.
In line with national policy, project proposals have been put forward to establish one such treatment center in each of the five districts of the Northern Province, along with steps being taken to obtain the required cadre approvals from the Department of Management Services.
Attention was also given to providing comprehensive treatment through this center not only for autism but also for conditions such as developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Considering the shortage of personnel in the fields of psychological and neurological healthcare, discussions were held on initiating allied health science degree programs, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy through the University of Jaffna to produce qualified specialists.
Additionally, beyond the financial allocations of the provincial and central health ministries, discussions were held on establishing proper mechanisms to obtain support from external donors through legally binding Memorandums of Understanding.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor of Northern Province, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Health, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education, the Director of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, the Provincial Director of Health Services, the Provincial Director of Education Department, the Regional Director of Health Services – Jaffna and several medical specialists.
