A meeting between the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, and the Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Siri Walt, was held at the Governor’s Secretariat on Tuesday morning (29.07.2025).
During the meeting, the Ambassador stated that the purpose of his visit was to gain an understanding of the current conditions in the Northern Province.
The Governor highlighted that several villages in the province remain underdeveloped and lack even basic road infrastructure. He further noted that employment opportunities continue to be a challenge, as the region still has an insufficient number of factories following the war.
The Governor further stated that although the Northern Province has excellent resources for agriculture and fishing, these are mostly transported to other regions as raw materials. He emphasized that establishing factories to process these resources into value-added products would benefit local producers. He also noted that the issue of unstable prices for agricultural products could be addressed through such factories, while stressing the need to revive and promote the pre-war irrigation system.
The Ambassador also inquired about the flight services operating from Palaly to Jaffna International Airport. In response, the Governor explained that a request has been made for a connecting flight service between Katunayake and Palaly, aimed at reducing travel time between Colombo and Jaffna.
The Swiss Ambassador emphasized the importance of investments for economic development. In response, the Governor highlighted that the Sri Lanka Board of Investment has identified three investment zones in the Northern Province and that steps are underway to develop their infrastructure. He further acknowledged that in the past, many investors had withdrawn due to issues of bribery and corruption but noted that, in the current environment, a significant number of investors are now coming forward to invest.
The Governor further stated that the tourism sector in the Northern Province is expanding, creating increased opportunities for related investments. He emphasized the importance of reconstructing connecting roads and landing points to support this growth. The Governor also noted that, with the ongoing festival season, a large number of tourists are visiting the Northern Province and highlighted that domestic tourists, too, flock to the region in significant numbers during holidays.
The Governor stated that the government has placed greater focus on the development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces and mentioned that His Excellency the President has instructed the World Bank to prioritize development in these regions. However, he pointed out that he faces challenges in securing the cooperation of certain departmental officials based in Colombo. The Governor further noted that the government has allocated three times more funds for the Northern Province compared to previous years.
Meanwhile, the Swiss delegation inquired about several local issues, including the activities of local government councils, the Chemmani mass grave matter, the Taiyitti Tissa Viharaya issue, the resettlement process, and the involvement of security forces in civil administration. The delegation also questioned the Governor on the Provincial Council elections and the Provincial Council system. In response, the Governor highlighted the measures taken in the past that have weakened the Provincial Council system.
The Secretary and Joint Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province also attended the meeting.
