The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the demands of the people of Ezhuvaithivu would be addressed as promptly as possible, with certain matters to be implemented through next year’s financial allocations.
The Ezhuvaithivu People’s Grievance Meeting was held at the Ezhuvaithivu Sports Club Grounds on Thursday evening, August 7, 2025.
In his opening remarks, the priest noted that the current Governor had initiated several development projects for the people of Ezhuvaithivu during his tenure as the Jaffna District Secretary. He also commended the Governor for continuing to show commitment to addressing the needs of the local community.
The residents expressed concern that an examination hall for the G. C. E (O/L) Examination was not being established on Ezhuvaithivu Island. In response, the Zonal Education Director explained that the hall was not arranged due to the low number of students and that a similar request made previously had not received approval. Taking this into account, the Governor acknowledged the unique circumstances of the area and instructed the Zonal Education Director to provide a justification and resubmit the request in writing.
The residents requested that the Primary Health Care Unit in Ezhuvaithivu be upgraded to a District Hospital with inpatient ward facilities, as it currently operates only as an Outpatient Department. In response, the Regional Medical Officer assured that steps would be taken to address the request.
The residents also appealed for the renovation of freshwater wells in the area, stating that it would enable them to access clean drinking water. In response, the Local Government Commissioner stated that he would review the relevant records and take steps to implement the renovation through the Northern Provincial Department of Local Government.
Additionally, requests were made for the reconstruction of Velapadu Nanneer Kinaru Road and Semakalai–Hospital Road. The Governor issued the necessary instructions for their reconstruction through the Pradeshiya Sabha.
The residents expressed concern that the region’s palm resources were being threatened by the spread of Mesquite trees and requested that the Pradeshiya Sabha provide machinery to remove them. Responding to the concern, the Governor instructed the Pradeshiya Sabha to offer the necessary support, and the Pradeshiya Sabha agreed to assist in accordance with the people’s request.
Residents reported that the pipeline, which transports purified seawater from Analaitivu to Ezhuvaithivu, is currently floating in the sea and is unable to provide an adequate supply of drinking water. In response, the Governor advised the engineers to initiate efforts to purify seawater locally in Ezhuvaithivu to ensure a reliable source of potable water in the future.
The people stated that when the current Governor served as the Jaffna District Secretary, the foundation stone for an auditorium was laid and funds were allocated. However, since those funds were later suspended, the area still lacks a public hall. They emphasized the absence of a venue for performing rural arts and requested the allocation of funds to address this need. The Governor assured that steps would be taken to secure funding for the project next year.
The request for the reconstruction of the Pathima Community Centre was also approved. It was agreed to dredge the pond at Ezhuvaithivu and to use the excavated soil to fill the flooded area at the Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School.
Fishermen requested support for ice production to preserve fish. Representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources assured that provisions for this would be included in next year’s budget allocation.
A request was made to complete the partially constructed barrier to protect against erosion. The Governor responded that the project could be implemented next year through the Road Development Department or the Local Government Council.
Furthermore, fishermen have requested the establishment of an anchorage landing site, which, according to S. Kapilan, Coordinator of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee, is planned for implementation next year. The Governor added that the issues of deepening the landing site and improving sea traffic would be studied by the NARA Institute and carried out based on their recommendations.
Murugavel Vidyalaya in Ezhuvaithivu reported a shortage of teachers. It was also highlighted that there are no vehicles providing local transport services from the landing site. The Governor assured that he would review transport facilities in the future and directed the Zonal Education Director to address the teacher shortage as a priority. Additionally, the Governor noted that human resources within the island zone appeared to be unevenly distributed and instructed the Zonal Education Director to rectify this imbalance promptly.
The Governor’s grievance meeting was attended by a wide range of officials, including the Chief Secretary; Chairman and members of the Pradeshiya Sabha; Secretaries to the Governor, Ministry of Local Government, and Ministry of Women’s Affairs; Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Health; Assistant Superintendent of Police; Kayts Divisional Secretary; Coordinator of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee Chairman; representative of the Minister of Fisheries; Northern Provincial Local Government Commissioner; Provincial Directors of the Road Development and Agriculture Departments; Northern Provincial Cooperative Development Commissioner; Provincial Indigenous Medical Commissioner; Regional Director of Health Services; Health Medical Officer; Assistant Commissioner of Local Government; Zonal Director of Education; and representatives from the Coastal Protection Department, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka Electricity Board, Sri Lanka Transport Board, and Irrigation Department, among others.
