Many investigations conducted in the past under the Northern Province Ministry of Education have not yet been concluded. Allegations have been made that investigations against unwanted individuals are expedited, while those against favored individuals are delayed without being pursued. The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N.Vethanayahan, directed that all investigations be completed within 6 months.
The monthly review meeting on the financial and physical progress of projects to be implemented this year under the Northern Province Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports, and Youth Affairs was held on Tuesday – 11 November 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The progress of projects implemented by the Provincial Department of Education, Department of Sports, and Department of Cultural Affairs was reviewed. Projects under the Department of Education funded from various sources were evaluated zone-wise.
The negligent work procedures of some contractors were also discussed. Evaluating contractors’ work, publicizing it, and making recommendations for future actions against them were explored. Delays in payments due to contractors not providing bills even after project completion were also discussed.
Following the departmental review, the removal of certain areas in the Northern Province from the ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ area classifications was discussed. The Governor directed that requests be submitted with justifications to reinstate them. He also ordered prompt action to provide risk allowances to teachers and principals working in offshore islands, in accordance with the circular from the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.
The Governor noted continuous complaints about money being collected from students in schools under various reasons. He instructed Zonal Directors of Education to take action against such principals. He further pointed out complaints that teachers, after assigning the tasks to students, watch videos on their mobile phones. To prevent this, the Governor requested Zonal Directors of Education and their subordinate officers to conduct surprise monitoring visits.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Governor’s Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Engineering Services, Directors of the Departments of Education, Sports, and Cultural Affairs, the Director of the Provincial Buildings Department, Zonal Directors of Education, and the Jaffna and Kilinochchi Coordinators of the District Coordinating Committee, among others.
