It was informed that, under the Integrated Urban Development and Climate Resilience Project, the Northern Province has an opportunity to secure additional funding based on the speed with which project proposals are prepared and submitted. Therefore, it was emphasized that all relevant departments should work together and extend their fullest cooperation to ensure that the projects are implemented without delay.
The inaugural meeting of the Integrated Urban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IUDCRP), implemented by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation with financial assistance from the World Bank, was held on Monday afternoon (31 August 2026) at the Conference Hall of the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The meeting focused on the objectives of the project, the projects to be implemented in the Northern Province, the progress achieved to date, and the next steps required for implementation. These matters were discussed in detail during the meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, Deputy Project Director G. Balakumar delivered the welcome address, while Project Director R.H.W.A. Kumarasiri made a detailed presentation on the project’s key objectives, financial structure, implementation approach, and expected outcomes.
During the presentation, it was revealed that an additional US$67 million would be available in addition to the project’s existing allocation of US$120 million. It was further noted that there is an opportunity to secure additional funding based on the speed and efficiency with which project proposals are prepared, submitted, and implemented.
The project will be implemented over a five-year period and is scheduled for completion by 30 June 2030. Covering 12 districts, including Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mullaitivu, the project primarily aims to enhance the productivity, market access, and climate resilience of agri-food producers.
The Project Director’s presentation further highlighted that a wide range of activities would be carried out under the project, including the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, value addition of agricultural produce, market integration, support for youth and women’s entrepreneurship, water resource management, irrigation development, conservation of natural resources, strengthening of agricultural data systems, development of basic infrastructure, and crop insurance.
It was also highlighted that the project places strong emphasis on safeguarding agricultural production against the impacts of climate change, increasing the incomes of producers by strengthening their links with markets, and improving irrigation and drainage facilities.
Meanwhile, steps are being taken to create financial and market opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs through production partnerships. The meeting was informed that a significant number of applications have been received from producer organizations, as well as youth and women entrepreneurs, and that work is currently underway to advance the selected proposals to the next stage.
It was reported that, under the project, steps are being taken to rehabilitate damaged minor irrigation tanks and canals in the Northern Province. Accordingly, two estimates with a combined value of approximately Rs. 74 million have been prepared, with a target set to call for tenders for the proposed works.
During the stakeholder discussion, concerns were raised regarding the difficulties faced by farmers in accessing bank loans. Detailed explanations were provided on loan application procedures, farmers’ access to credit, and mechanisms for linking them with the project’s financial facilities. The discussion also explored practical solutions to address the challenges encountered by farmers.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, welcomed the Project Director and his team, who had arrived in Jaffna for the inaugural meeting of the project. He emphasized that coordinated efforts and prompt administrative action by all relevant departments are essential for the successful implementation of the project in the Northern Province.
In particular, the Governor highlighted the need for the cooperation of the Department of Forest Conservation in implementing the project. He further stressed that inter-agency coordination should be strengthened to ensure that the necessary permits and related processes for the proposed projects are completed without unnecessary delays.
The meeting also decided to conduct quarterly review meetings to assess the progress of the project. These meetings will facilitate the continuous monitoring of project implementation, identification of challenges encountered, and adoption of appropriate measures to address them.
Furthermore, the discussion emphasized that the project presents a significant opportunity for the Northern Province to mitigate the impacts of climate change, safeguard the livelihoods of farmers, improve water resource management, and promote long-term economic development.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Jaffna District Secretary, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, the Provincial Director of Agriculture Department, the Director of the Provincial Department of Animal Production and Health, the Provincial Director of Irrigation Department, relevant Divisional Secretaries, District Agriculture Officers, Irrigation Officers and the Director, Deputy Director and Coordinator of the Integrated Urban Development and Climate Resilience Project, among other officials.
