The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that necessary steps will be taken to develop the Mankulam – Moonrumurippu main road in stages.
Today – on Thursday 12 March 2026, the Governor undertook a field visit to the underdeveloped villages of Palaippaani and Kombuvaichchakulam, which fall under the Manthai East Divisional Secretariat Division in Mullaitivu District. During this visit, the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government of Mullaitivu District, T. Ratheeswaran, also accompanied the Governor.
The Governor met and held discussions directly with the residents of Palaippaani and Kombuvaichchakulam villages. During the discussion, the people brought their long-standing issues to the Governor’s attention. Residents expressed concern that due to the lack of proper road transport facilities for many years, several families from the two villages have migrated to urban areas.
They also stated that since they live in areas bordering forest regions between Mankulam and Moonrumurippu, the frequent movement of elephants creates a dangerous situation where they are unable to go outside even at night for urgent needs. Furthermore, due to the severely damaged condition of the road, it has become extremely difficult to transport patients to hospitals on time during medical emergencies.
Therefore, the residents requested the reconstruction of the Mankulam – Moonrumurippu road and the installation of an elephant fence to control the elephant threat. Additionally, the residents of Kombuvaichchakulam made a special request to clear the overgrown bushes along the Kidaappidichchakulam – Kombuvaichchakulam road, which has become difficult to travel due to dense bush growth.
After listening to the people’s concerns, the Governor assured that swift action will be taken to reconstruct the approximately 18 kilometres long Mankulam – Moonrumurippu main road in phases and make it available for public use. He also instructed the officials to take immediate measures to clear the bushes along the Kidaappidichchakulam – Kombuvaichchakulam road for the public’s urgent use.
