An initial discussion regarding, how to receive the contribution of the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, to the Northern Province administrative activities as well as provincial development activities was held on Tuesday (05th May of 2026) at the University of Jaffna, under the chairmanship of Northern Provincial Hon. Governor N. Vethanahayan.
Professor N. Piratheeparaja, Dean, Faculty of Arts, mentioned in his opening remarks that the Faculty of Arts is ready to provide a contribution fully for the Northern Province’s development activities.
Following his address, Hon.Governor Said that the contribution of universities is much more important for the planned and structured development of the Northern Province. Provincial Administration has been already joined with the University of Vavuniya and has been served in many ways. Similarly, discussions with the faculties of science, engineering, and technology have already been held. Their successful contributions have been received by the provincial administration. Currently, this discussion has been arranged with the aim of getting the contribution of Faculty of Arts.
We have been Serving by setting a goal that Our province should not contain any ‘remote villages.’ This goal cannot be achieved solely by Provincial Adminstration. much of the parties’ cooperation must be needed. There are numerous barriers we face, including immediate challenges, unresolved issues from the past, and new problems arising from the consequences of those past issues. Steps have been taken to resolve these issues gradually. I firmly believe that much of these can be completed in this governance. Development of Northern Province is fully possible through the cooperation received from you to our provincial administration.
Thereafter, Each and every Head of the Departments, Faculty of Arts and Academics expressed their suggestions.
In the past, academics’ suggestions were only considered during the preliminary phases of development plans. After that, their comments were not listened . Moving forward, a proper mechanism should be established to continuously incorporate comments and suggestions.
Culturally wise development is essential. We must create development plans that preserve our land’s cultural heritage. These plans should not rely on imported ideas from external sources.
Even though academics created and gave policies for certain sectors, continuity in their implementation was not maintained. Government Departments should maintain continuity in every matter. The contribution of academics should be injected at the provincial level.
Arrangements should be made to intake the students of the arts faculty for the provincial internship. Barriers Should be eliminated for getting the employment opportunities for the Students.
Researches can be done in many matters by most of the students as per the need of the province. We are ready to incorporate and act with provincial administration.
Mrs. Thanuja Murugeson, who expressed her opinion during the discussion, responded to the presented requests.
The university and provincial administration can create and execute a memorandum of understanding.
It is essential to communicate information about these courses to the National and Provincial Public Service Commissions in order to eliminate employment barriers for students who have completed the new courses. Through this, employment opportunities can be gotten by amending the service minutes.
He mentioned that provincial ministries and departments will hold discussions with relevant academics to determine the next steps in the future.
Dr. Akilan Kathirkamar, coordinator of the Governor’s Advisory Committee and senior lecturer; the secretary to the governor of the Northern Province; the secretary of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs; the deputy chief secretary for administration and personnel training; heads of provincial departments; heads of departments from the Faculty of Arts; representatives of various department heads; professors; senior lecturers; and lecturers were participated at this discussion.
