A discussion was held today – on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat between the Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan and a delegation led by the Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Duminda Hulangamuwa.
The discussion focused on the progress of the three proposed investment zones in the Northern Province—Kankesanthurai, Paranthan and Mankulam the practical challenges faced by investors, and measures to expedite the implementation of these zones and attract further investment to the Province.
A delegation led by the Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Duminda Hulangamuwa, visited the Northern Province yesterday – on Friday, 25 September 2026, to inspect potential investment sites and assess the conditions on the ground firsthand. Following the site visits, the delegation met with the Governor today for further discussions.
During the meeting, the current status of the three investment zones planned for the Northern Province was examined in detail. Particular attention was drawn to the prolonged delays in handing over the lands identified for these investment zones to the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. The Governor emphasized the need to address these delays and expedite the process to facilitate the timely development of the proposed investment zones.
In response, the Chairman of the Board of Investment stated that arrangements are being expedited to facilitate the early handover of lands in the Kankesanthurai and Paranthan areas to the Board, while measures are also being taken to accelerate the development of essential infrastructure in these locations. He further stated that he had personally inspected the identified sites and was taking steps to actively attract investors to the Northern Province.
At the same time, the Chairman of the Board of Investment stressed that efforts to attract investment must be matched by measures to ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting and sustaining new investments in the Province.
He further revealed that investors and members of the business community in the Jaffna District had raised several practical difficulties relating to the services provided by various government institutions. To address these concerns, he proposed establishing a monthly coordination mechanism bringing together the relevant government institutions at a single location, enabling investors’ issues to be identified, discussed and resolved directly and without delay.
During the discussion, the Governor outlined the progress of the website being developed to establish a single-window system for investors, including the initial phases of its implementation. He also briefed the delegation on the collaborative efforts being undertaken with the University of Vavuniya to develop and operationalize this initiative.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of Investment shared his observations on public perceptions of investment projects, noting that attitudes can vary across different parts of the country. He pointed out that certain proposed investments in the Northern Province, particularly in the Jaffna District, have encountered opposition from sections of the public.
He further observed that similar concerns had emerged in relation to some investment projects in the Southern Province during their initial stages. However, he noted that public perceptions changed as communities gained a clearer understanding
The Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan assured the Chairman that the Northern Provincial Administration would extend its fullest cooperation and support to the Board of Investment in facilitating and expediting investment activities across the Province.
The discussion underscored the need to expedite the development of the proposed investment zones to expand investment opportunities, stimulate business activity, and create new employment opportunities in the Northern Province. It also highlighted the importance of coordinated action to ensure the timely provision of the required land, infrastructure, skilled human resources, and administrative facilities necessary to support and sustain investment.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Director General of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and members of his delegation, the Chairman of the Northern Province Tourism Bureau, the Private Secretary to the Governor and the Private Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.
