As the needs of the Northern Province continue to increase, there are opportunities to obtain funds from the line ministries of the Central Government beyond the regular provincial fund allocations. Therefore, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, has directed officials to prepare plans for the development activities immediately in a manner suitable to utilize those opportunities.
A special high-level meeting to review the 2026 project proposals of the Northern Province Ministry of Finance and Planning, Law and Order, Land, Electricity, Housing and Construction, Tourism, Local Government, Provincial Administration, Rural Development, Road Development, Motor Traffic, and Transport was held this morning – on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat. Presiding over the meeting and addressing it, the Governor made the above remarks.
Speaking about the activities of officials, the Governor said, ‘Many of our officials hesitate to make decisions. They fear that their pensions might be lost. When we act honestly for the people, there is no need to fear anything. Officials must act boldly and quickly in making decisions.’
The Hon. Governor praised the excellent service rendered by most local authorities, the Ministry Secretary, and the Commissioners during the recent disaster situation.
At the same time, he noted, ‘Conflicts between Chairmen and Secretaries of a few local authorities affected disaster recovery efforts. Even though we were ready to provide the necessary funds, it is unacceptable to request funds from divisional and district secretariats. “One must provide food immediately to a hungry person; providing it after two days is useless.” Similarly, we must act rapidly during disasters.’
The meeting extensively discussed the sectoral fund allocations for 2026 under the Provincial Specific Development Grant (PSDG):
– Road Development Department: LKR 1,132 million
– Local Government Department: LKR 943 million
– Housing and Tourism sectors: LKR 151 million each
– Land, Rural Development, and Road Passenger Transport: LKR 38 million each
Beneficiaries for housing scheme must be finalized in coordination with divisional secretariats.
The Provincial Tourism Bureau should focus additional attention only on promotional activities.
The Commissioner of Local Government stated that appropriate action will be taken through a General Audit to collect the revenues due to the local authorities.
Many participated in the meeting, including the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Secretary to the Governor, Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, Deputy Chief Secretary – Planning, Heads of Relevant Departments, and Secretaries of Local Authorities.
