When investors visit the Northern Province, they should not be placed in a situation where they become frustrated and leave due to administrative obstacles. Appropriate approvals should be granted without delay for legally permissible investment projects, thereby creating new employment opportunities and regional development. Hon. R. Chandrasekhar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee, and Hon. N. Vethanayahan, Governor of the Northern Province, jointly emphasized that it is the responsibility of officials to provide scientific explanations and clarify the doubts and objections among the public regarding the projects.
A special discussion regarding the investment project to be undertaken by Sansakthi Traders (Private) Limited Company in relation to the Public Welfare Fish Farming Development Project was held today – on Tuesday 25 August 2026, at the Northern Provincial Governor’s Secretariat.
As no amicable conclusion was reached regarding this project at the previous discussion held this month at the Kayts Divisional Secretariat, today’s discussion was conducted as a continuation. The positions of the investor, the relevant government departments and the regional administration regarding the project were examined in detail here.
At the beginning of the discussion, the Hon. Governor and the Hon. Minister stated that regions progress economically and new employment opportunities are created when investments come in. Therefore, they emphasized that investment projects that do not contravene the law cannot be obstructed based on the agendas of individuals and that it is the responsibility of government institutions to grant the appropriate approvals for legally permissible projects.
They also stated that it is not appropriate to abandon a project that could provide economic benefits to the people due to the opposition, ignorance or instigation by certain parties. At the same time, they stated that the concerns raised by the public should not be ignored, and that the relevant authorities should clearly explain scientific information in a manner understandable to the people and provide clarification regarding the benefits and impacts of the project.
The Governor and the Minister also pointed out that, as fisheries resources are declining due to various factors including climate change, aquaculture-related investment projects could create alternative livelihood opportunities for fishermen and fishing communities in the future. Therefore, they emphasized the need to provide the public with detailed explanations regarding the nature of this project, its expected benefits and its scientific basis.
As the next step regarding this project, the Kayts Divisional Secretary stated that another discussion with the public will be held on the 28th in the Paruthiyadippu area within the Kayts Divisional Secretariat Division.
The Governor and the Minister jointly instructed that on that day, officials of the relevant departments should visit the area directly, provide the public with clear and scientific explanations regarding the project and expedite the necessary procedures for implementing the project legally.
The Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Kayts Divisional Secretary, the Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, the Regional Engineer of the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, the Assistant Secretary to the Governor, the Private Secretary to the Governor, the Coordinator to the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee and the investor of Sansakthi Traders (Private) Company participated in today’s discussion.
