A special discussion on the progress review of the Northern Provincial Council was held today, Wednesday (27.08.2025), at the Governor’s Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, and attended by the Honorable Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. H.M.H. Abhayarathna; the Honorable Minister of Fisheries, Hydrology and Marine Resources, R. Chandrasekar; and the Honorable Deputy Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, P. Ruwan Senarath.
Acting Chief Secretary, Mrs. Ezhilarasi Anton Yoganayagam, warmly welcomed the participants to the discussion. Following this, Mr. Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, outlined the purpose of the meeting.
The Director Planning from Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning of the Northern Province presented an overview of the progress and challenges related to the province’s ongoing projects.
It was reported that 1,613 projects have been implemented from the total allocation of 7,306 million rupees under the Provincial Development Grant Fund for 2025.
Deputy Chief Secretary – Personnel and Training, Mr. S. Pranavanathan, addressed the province’s staffing needs. He highlighted that out of the 41,205 approved positions, only 32,807 have been filled, leaving 8,398 vacancies. He emphasized that a significant number of these unfilled positions are in roles that provide direct services to the public, which in turn is affecting the smooth implementation of development activities.
It was noted that while 87% of the sanctioned nursing positions have been filled, an additional 1,296 nurses are required to staff the newly established medical units. Furthermore, the planning department is facing a 60% vacancy rate, and there are also shortages of doctors and medical specialists.
It was also highlighted that the Cabinet has recently approved the recruitment of 518 personnel for the Northern Province, and recruitment processes have been initiated accordingly. Additionally, the need for technical assistants and technical officers was emphasized to support the government’s ongoing digitalization policy.
In addition, a request was made to the Minister to submit a special Cabinet paper to grant permanent appointments to 107 individuals who have been serving as temporary employees in the Northern Province for over 11 years.
The Northern Provincial Local Government Commissioner highlighted that the existing legal provisions governing various taxes—such as business tax—are outdated. He noted that revising these laws could significantly enhance the revenue of local government councils. Furthermore, he pointed out that although each Divisional Secretariat Division is expected to have its own local government council, this is not the case in some areas of the Northern Province. As such, he proposed the establishment of new Pradeshiya Sabhas and also recommended upgrading certain existing local government councils.
He further stated that some local government councils are struggling to pay staff salaries from their own revenue sources. In addition, there is a pressing need for infrastructure support, including buildings, vehicles, and heavy machinery, to enable these councils to function effectively.
It was also brought to attention that certain Divisional Secretaries in the Northern Province are not taking adequate action against the encroachment of irrigation ponds. A request was made for clear instructions to be issued to the Divisional Secretaries to address this issue promptly.
Following the discussion, Deputy Minister Ruwan Senarath remarked, “It is clear that there are various challenges in this province. I appreciate the dedicated service you continue to provide to the people despite these difficulties. We are working towards bringing about meaningful change in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The issues you have raised have been noted, and we will take steps to address them.”
In his address, the Honorable Governor expressed his sincere appreciation to the Minister and Deputy Minister for visiting the province and directly listening to the challenges faced. He extended his gratitude for the substantial financial allocations already provided to the Northern Province, as well as the promise of further funding in the future.
The Governor emphasized the importance of filling existing personnel vacancies and implementing the requested new staff formations to ensure that the allocated funds are used effectively and productively. He noted, “We believe that meaningful development can only be achieved during the tenure of this government.”
Additionally, the Governor highlighted ongoing issues related to the transfer of development officers and called for the establishment of a clear and efficient mechanism to address these concerns without further delay.
The Governor also requested that, if the Ministry’s tourist accommodation facility in Velanai is currently unused and not intended for future use, it be handed over to the Provincial Council for productive utilization.
Minister R. Chandrasekhar assured that steps would be taken to provide the necessary facilities. He also stated that he had communicated certain matters to the relevant line ministries and the District Coordination Committee to expedite their implementation.
Following this, the Honorable Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. H.M.H. Abhayarathna, responded to the issues raised during the discussion.
Steps have already been initiated to gradually fill personnel vacancies across all departments, with recruitment proceeding department by department. Likewise, urgent measures will be taken to provide the necessary vehicles to support these departments.
Development cannot progress without adequately addressing human and physical resource needs. It is also expected that the funds allocated to the province will be used effectively to boost its contribution to the national economy, alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and improve the livelihoods of female-headed households, which make up one-fourth of the Northern Province’s population.
The requested funds from the Northern Provincial Council will be released for the year 2026. We remain committed to restoring all that has been lost to these people, except for the lives sacrificed in the past. Additionally, certain needs related to other central ministries were raised and arrangements will be made to discuss these with the relevant ministries. Furthermore, preparations will be made to submit a special Cabinet paper to facilitate permanent appointments.
The Minister emphasized that when proposing the creation of new local government councils, it is important to consider whether the newly established councils can sustain themselves, especially since 20 percent of their income is allocated to salaries. Factors such as the population of the area should be carefully taken into account. He also requested that any proposal for upgrading council standards and constructing new buildings be submitted with the approval of the Coordination Committee.
The discussion was attended by Honorable Members of Parliament K. Ilankumaran and S. Sripavanandharaja, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Secretaries of the Northern Provincial Council ministries, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and other officials.
