The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, acknowledged the necessity of constructing new bridges in the Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat Division to prevent transportation disruptions and isolation during the rainy season. He stated that swift action would be taken to implement the construction of these bridges.
A high-level delegation led by the Governor conducted an on-site inspection visit this Wednesday morning (18 February 2026) to assess the infrastructure damage caused by recent adverse events in areas under the Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat Division of Mullaitivu District.
During the visit, the Governor inspected in person the lift irrigation scheme in the Pandiyankulam–Selvapuram area, which had previously been abandoned by farmers due to the rise in fuel prices. He also held discussions with the farmers. The Governor instructed officials that, if farmers show interest, the scheme could be recommenced through a solar power project designed not to sell electricity to the Ceylon Electricity Board. He further directed officials to consult the farmers and communicate the final decision accordingly.
It was also pointed out that the absence of bridges at three locations along the Vannivilankulam–Panankamam road poses a serious risk of complete isolation of the Maritimepattu area during the rainy season. After inspecting these locations, the Governor instructed the Departments of Irrigation and Road Development to jointly prepare the necessary assessments.
Furthermore, the Governor directed that technical studies be conducted and a feasibility report submitted regarding the widening of the bridge located on the Selvapuram Kaddukkarai Road across the canal running from Puliyankulam to Kumarikulam, as well as the construction of new bridges in areas prone to flood overflow.
The Governor also visited the Naddankandal Regional Hospital and the office of the Medical Officer of Health. He instructed that the hospital wards be repaired immediately and restored for public use.
At Pandiyankulam, the Governor inspected the model housing scheme constructed with financial assistance from the Government of India, where several houses were found to be severely damaged and in a state of collapse. He assured that the matter would be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and appropriate action taken.
Following the field visit, a public grievance meeting was held at the Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat.
Participants in the visit included the Mullaitivu District Secretary; the Secretaries of the Northern Province Ministries of Health and Local Government; the Hon. Chairman of the Maritimepattu Pradeshiya Sabha; the Divisional Secretary – Maritimepattu; the Heads of Provincial Departments of Irrigation, Road Development, Agriculture, and Health; the General Manager of the Road Passenger Transport Authority of Northern Province and the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government, among others.
