A special discussion between Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan and representatives of the Public Forum for the Development and Prosperity was held on Monday (11th May 2026) at the governor’s secretariat.
Many Requests were presented and Detaily discussed at this discussion by the said Forum regarding the Current Issues faced by Northern Province and Development Activities of Province.
The matter of releasing lands belonging to public and religious institutions that are under military control was discussed. In particular, a request was made to urge the government to revoke the gazette notification issued under Section 2 of the Land Acquisition Act, which prevents people from legally using approximately 3,000 acres of land that had been released in Jaffna. Additionally, it was also discussed to allocate the Presidential Palace located in Kankesanthurai for the establishment of a Hindu Cultural University.
It was also considered to hand back schools that had been closed due to a shortage of students to the respective organizations that had originally handed them over to the government, and to upgrade one school in each zone that is being closed, equipping it with modern laboratory facilities. Further, it was suggested to undertake the educational activities by causing a direct connection through ‘Zoom’ technology with the schools by considering remote village school students.
It was also discussed to upgrade regional hospitals, including those in Chavakachcheri and Kayts (Uduvil/Urukavalthurai area), as well as to address the shortage of doctors there. In addition, immediate measures were considered to reduce traffic congestion around the Jaffna Teaching Hospital by relocating government and private buses from other districts that are parked along the roads to the new bus station near Veerasingam Hall.
It was also discussed to expand Palaly Airport so that medium-sized aircraft from Asian countries can operate there. A request was made to allow bus services on the existing routes along the Kankesanthurai–Keerimalai–Palaly roads (routes 764 and 769) without altering their original paths, and to expedite the release of the remaining 500-meter stretch required to connect the Thampalai–Idaikkadu–Valalai road with the Palaly road. Further attention was also given to improving transportation facilities in the island region and at the Kurikadduwan ferry terminal.
It was also emphasized that small and medium-sized tanks in the Northern Province, including Jaffna town, should be rehabilitated to retain freshwater, and that drainage systems should be properly improved
After hearing the matters raised by the representatives, Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan stated that many of the issues highlighted require policy-level decisions and therefore high-level discussions with the central government are necessary. At the same time, he assured that regarding matters within the jurisdiction of the provincial administration, special discussions with the heads of relevant departments will be arranged as soon as possible, and appropriate action will be taken.
