The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the Jaffna Fort and Gurunagar Fishing Harbour projects, selected for the World Bank’s initial phase of development, will make a significant contribution to enhancing the economic well-being of the people and generating employment opportunities
A special meeting between a high-level delegation led by the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, Johannes Zutt, and officials headed by the Governor of the Northern Province was held today – on Friday 13 March 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat to discuss development initiatives in the Northern Province.
Speaking at the beginning of the meeting, the Governor stated that His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had directed the World Bank to place greater emphasis on the development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Accordingly, several key development projects to be implemented in these two provinces have been identified. In line with this initiative, the World Bank delegation has now personally visited the two main locations in the Northern Province selected for the initial phase of development.
He noted that Jaffna Fort is a popular tourist destination; however, the lack of adequate supporting infrastructure limits its ability to attract a larger number of visitors. Therefore, he emphasized that the necessary facilities should be developed without delay.
Similarly, he stated that the Gurunagar Fishing Harbour should be modernized in order to improve the livelihoods of fishermen, who play a vital role in the economy of the province.
He further requested that other key projects prioritized by the Provincial Administration be considered for inclusion in the second phase of the World Bank’s development initiatives.
Following this, Johannes Zutt, Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, stated that the World Bank is currently placing greater emphasis on Sri Lanka’s economic development and the creation of new employment opportunities. He added that during his field visit, he was able to observe firsthand the resources and development potential available in the Northern Province.
He further stated that the World Bank’s assistance to Sri Lanka will focus on five main sectors, and noted that a final decision on the projects selected for the first phase will be made at the World Bank’s Management Committee meeting scheduled to be held on the 31st of this month.
The Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Deputy Chief Secretary (Planning), the Additional District Secretary of the Jaffna District, the Commissioner of Local Government of the Northern Province, the Provincial Director of the Road Development Authority, the Provincial Director of the Urban Development Authority, the Commissioner of the Jaffna Municipal Council, the Coordinator to the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee, and several other officials also participated in the discussion.
