In view of the construction of tube wells in the Jaffna District, particularly without any proper monitoring and the potential impact this may have on the groundwater resources of the peninsula, it has been decided at an initial discussion chaired by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, to take steps to bring the construction of tube wells under a proper regulatory framework.
An initial discussion on regulating the construction of tube wells in the Northern Province, particularly in the Jaffna District, was held yesterday – on Tuesday 22 September 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province.
The potential impacts on groundwater resources caused by the construction of tube wells in the peninsula without proper monitoring, as well as procedures for properly controlling this, were discussed in detail.
During the discussion, the Northern Regional Manager of the Water Resources Board explained the provisions contained in the Gazette notification issued in 2016 with the objective of regulating the construction of tube wells.
Accordingly, it was explained that the Gazette stipulates that approval must be obtained from the Water Resources Board to construct a tube well and that only those registered with the Water Resources Board may use machinery for constructing tube wells.
However, it was pointed out during the discussion that, in accordance with current circumstances, certain additional matters need to be improved in the said Gazette notification. Based on this, it was decided to submit a request to the Hon. Minister of Environment to issue a new Gazette notification incorporating the necessary amendments.
It was also pointed out that members of the public can submit complaints to the Water Resources Board regarding the construction of tube wells without proper approval or without following the relevant procedures.
At the same time, as the construction of tube wells is considered a commercial activity, it was decided to take action in the future to ensure that those engaged in such activities have obtained the relevant business licence from the local authorities and are registered with the Water Resources Board.
As the groundwater resources of the peninsula are an important natural resource directly connected to the drinking water and livelihood needs of the people, the discussion also emphasized the need to strengthen appropriate regulations to ensure their proper use and protection.
The Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Local Government of the Northern Province, the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government – Headquarters, the Regional Assistant Commissioner of Local Government – Jaffna District, a representative of the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police of the Northern Province, the Northern Regional Manager of the Water Resources Board and the Private Secretary to the Governor participated in this discussion.
