Despite being rich in resources, Mullaitivu District ranks first in poverty. However, within the next two to three years under this government, the district will undoubtedly achieve significant development. The foundational plans and infrastructure required for this progress have already been initiated, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
These remarks were made during the Mullaitivu District Special Coordinating Committee meeting held today – on Wednesday 11 February 2026, at the District Secretariat, with the participation of the Hon. Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
In his address, the Governor noted that Mullaitivu is the district with the largest land area and abundant natural resources in the Northern Province. Nevertheless, it is distressing that the district ranks first on the poverty index. He emphasized that efforts to uplift this underdeveloped district will be expedited during the tenure of the current government. He further stressed that the special concern shown by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake toward the people of the North must be properly utilized for the development of the province.
Subsequently, Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that a feasibility study is currently underway regarding the construction of the Kokkilai–Pulmoddai Bridge. If the study report is completed within the next three months, the necessary funds for the bridge’s construction could be allocated in next year’s national budget. He also noted that the President has shown keen interest in this project.
Delivering the welcome address at the beginning of the meeting, the Mullaitivu District Secretary pointed out that renovation work on the Vattuvakal Bridge—long a dream of the people of Mullaitivu—has now commenced. Similarly, the previous lack of an air-conditioned luxury bus service from Mullaitivu to Colombo has now been addressed.
Furthermore, a request was submitted during the meeting for the rehabilitation of roads and bridges in Mullaitivu District that were damaged by the recent “Ditwah” disaster.
Participants in the discussion included the Chairman of the Mullaitivu District Coordinating Committee and Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Hon. Upali Samarasinghe; Members of Parliament Hon. K. Thilakanathan, Hon. T. Ravikaran, and Hon. Kathar Masthan; the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province; Additional Secretaries of the Ministry; the Secretary of the Northern Provincial Ministry of Local Government; heads of departments affiliated with the Ministry; Divisional Secretaries; and Chairmen of local authorities, among others.
