The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, briefed the Hon. Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, in detail on the development projects currently underway in the Northern Province, as well as those planned for future implementation.
A special discussion between the Governor and the Deputy Minister was held at the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat on Friday night, 24 April 2026.
The Governor pointed out that the infrastructure needs of the war affected Northern Province remain significant. In particular, he noted that roads connecting villages in the Vanni region are in a very poor condition, and strongly emphasized to the Deputy Minister the need for additional financial allocations beyond the regular budgetary provisions to expedite their reconstruction and improve transportation for the public.
The need to reduce travel time between Colombo and Jaffna was discussed in detail. The planned expressway projects and their feasibility were also examined. In addition, the Deputy Minister and the Governor explored alternative initiatives, beyond the expressway, to further reduce travel time.
The Deputy Minister briefed the Governor on the special financial allocations for reconstruction work related to the recent “Dithwa” disaster. He also emphasized the importance of completing projects funded under this allocation within the year, without delay.
Jaffna District Hon. Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran, the Secretary to the Governor, the Coordinator to the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee, and several others participated in the special discussion.
