The Government will continue to prioritize securing the necessary human and financial resources to effectively implement development activities in the Northern Province. In particular, measures will be taken to address the shortage of Development Officers in the Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Kilinochchi districts, including the temporary deployment of officers who have served in the Jaffna District for more than ten years to these districts. Furthermore, the Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abayarathna, stated that a higher financial allocation would be provided to the Northern Province next year compared to the current year.
A special discussion on the development of Local Government institutions in the Northern Province was held this morning – on Saturday, 12 September 2026 at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
Speaking at the discussion, the Hon. Minister stated that he was aware of the shortage of engineers, technical officers, and other essential human resources in the Northern Province in relation to the scale of development activities currently being undertaken. He further stated that the necessary approvals are being granted for recruitment to address these shortages and that the Government is taking steps to recruit the required personnel.
Stating that development funds allocated to the Northern Province should not be reduced due to shortages in human resources, the Minister noted that the current allocations exceed those provided in the past under initiatives such as “Vadakkin Vasantham” (Northern Spring). He further stated that substantial financial resources would continue to be allocated to the Northern Province in the future and emphasized that provincial institutions must be adequately prepared to utilize these funds effectively and efficiently.
Stating that the next generation should not be burdened by the hardships caused by the conflicts and war of the past, the Minister urged everyone to unite in building a peaceful and prosperous nation free from such divisions and strife.
Noting that the country is currently moving towards greater economic stability, he explained that the Government is strengthening Treasury revenue through measures such as curbing tax evasion, improving export management, and reducing unnecessary luxury expenditure. He emphasized that these measures are aimed at strengthening the economy without resorting to the sale of state assets, the printing of money, or excessive borrowing.
He noted that the Government is prioritizing the allocation of financial resources to meet the basic needs of the people, including strengthening the health sector, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and establishing effective waste management systems. Stating that the Government was able to immediately allocate funds for post-disaster reconstruction following the Dithwa disaster due to the availability of adequate financial resources, the Minister said that steps are being taken to increase the country’s export earnings from the current level of approximately US$7 billion to US$15 billion in the future.
He stated that the Government’s objective is not to accumulate funds in the Treasury, but to ensure that financial resources reach the grassroots level and are effectively utilized to meet the needs of the people. He emphasized the importance of identifying public needs through District Secretariats, Provincial Councils, Divisional Secretariats and Local Government institutions, and allocating and utilizing funds efficiently to address those needs.
Noting that the Government places great importance on the welfare of public servants as the country progresses towards the goal of a “Prosperous Nation – Beautiful Life,” the Minister stated that the basic salaries of public servants would be increased progressively during 2025, 2026, and 2027.
The Minister stated that overtime allowances are currently being calculated based on the basic salary scheduled to come into effect in January 2027, while the pensions of public servants retiring during that period will likewise be calculated based on the 2027 basic salary. He noted that, unlike previous salary revisions, which largely consisted of allowances, the present Government has increased the basic salary itself.
The Minister stated that there were approximately 350,000 vacancies in the public service across the country when the Government assumed office, and that appointments had been made for 35,000 positions in 2025. He noted that recruitment has commenced for several key government services, including the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, Sri Lanka Planning Service, Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service and Sri Lanka Engineering Service with measures underway to fill approximately 125,000 vacancies.
He further pointed out that systematic recruitment to the public service had not been carried out in the country for nearly six years.
Meanwhile, noting that many vehicles currently used by heads of departments, the Governor, Ministers, and government institutions are more than ten years old, the Minister stated that the Government expects to import at least a portion of the approximately 2,000 new vehicles and make them available for official use by the end of this year.
Stating that government services provided to the public must be efficient, responsible, and people-centred, the Minister urged officials to ensure that all services sought by the public are delivered properly and without unnecessary delays, particularly for farmers and others who travel long distances and incur considerable expenses to access government services, so that they do not return disappointed. He further emphasized that government services must be provided equally and without discrimination based on race, religion, language, or political affiliation.
Furthermore, with “Local Government Week” scheduled to commence on the 14th, the Minister urged Local Government institutions to clearly communicate their services to the public and proactively engage with communities to identify their needs and provide the necessary services. Commending provincial officials for utilizing 99 percent of the funds allocated in the previous year, the Minister urged them to maintain the same level of efficiency in utilizing future allocations.
The discussion was attended by the Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, R. Chandrasekhar; the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province; the Secretary to the Ministry of Local Government of the Northern Province; the Deputy Chief Secretaries (Administration and Finance); the Commissioner of Local Government Department of the Northern Province; the Director of Planning of the Provincial Ministry of Local Government; Municipal Commissioners; and Secretaries of Local Government institutions.
