The first guidance committee meeting, chaired by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, was held today, Wednesday (03.09.2025), at the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat to expedite the works the proposed investment zone project in Mankulam.
The meeting was attended by the Resident Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Sri Lanka, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Board of Investment, the Secretary of the Ministry of Plantation and Social Infrastructure, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretary of the Northern Province Ministry of Agriculture, the Deputy Chief Secretary (Planning) of the Northern Province, the District Secretaries of Mullaitivu and Mannar, the Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority, the Assistant Director of the Urban Development Authority, representatives from the Universities of Jaffna and Vavuniya, representatives from the Department of Forest Conservation and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and representatives from the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During the first steering committee meeting, it was announced that the Governor of the Northern Province, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Plantation and Social Infrastructure would serve as co-chairs of the steering committee by virtue of their positions. Additionally, as a preliminary step toward implementing future investment projects, it was decided to establish an Industrial Investment Development Unit under the leadership of the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province to undertake continuous activities. Committee members were also selected during the meeting.
The project report for the investment zone was shared, and it was decided that the final project report would soon be submitted to the National Planning Department. Furthermore, land surveying activities for the allocated land and the review of the previously conducted environmental impact assessment report were agreed upon. It was also resolved to expedite the resolution of land-related issues under the leadership of the Mullaitivu District Secretary.
Additionally, decisions were made regarding the scheduling of future meetings. The Governor urged all stakeholders to work together to accelerate the process of releasing lands currently occupied by the Department of Forest Conservation and to contribute to rebuilding the province’s economy.
