A special discussion regarding the continuation and more efficient and expanded implementation of the pond desilting project this year too in the Jaffna District, which began last year, was held today – on Friday 20 February 2026 evening, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of Hon. Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayahan.
At the beginning of the discussion, the Governor stated that the pond desilting project, initiated last year end in response to a request from the Manidam Trust in Tellippalai, has been decided to be continued this year as well. He pointed out that desilting ponds can help reduce flooding, and by handing over the soil obtained during the process to local authorities, they can distribute it to those in need.
Speaking on behalf of the Maanidam Trust, Dr. Para. Nanthakumar pointed out that last year, ponds under the Uduvil Divisional Secretariat division were successfully desilted with financial contributions from local agricultural organizations in the area. Taking into account the challenges faced at that time, he said the project can be carried out even more effectively this time.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner of the Jaffna District Agrarian Services Department stated that 116 ponds under the purview of the Agrarian Services Department have been identified for desilting. With the assistance of the Water Resources Board, a plan has been prepared indicating how much each should be deepened, and it will be sent to headquarters for approval.
In his remarks, the Northern Province Local Government Commissioner pointed out that in other provinces, local authorities are effectively implementing various projects with private sector cooperation. Regarding the Jaffna District, he suggested that ponds not belonging to the Agrarian Services or Irrigation Departments should be handed over to local authorities. Through this, the councils could obtain funds under ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ from commercial and business establishments operating within their areas and use them to maintain those ponds. He further proposed that by transforming them into tourist attractions, the revenue for the councils could also be increased.
In line with these suggestions, it was decided at today’s discussion to prepare plans accordingly and to commence desilting activities around May, after the ponds dry up.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Northern Province Governor, the Commissioner of Local Government Northern Province, the Provincial Director of the Road Development Department, the Jaffna District Assistant Commissioner of Local Government, the Hon. Deputy Mayor of the Jaffna Municipal Council, the Commissioner of Jaffna Municipal Council, the Assistant Commissioner of the Agrarian Services Department, the Jaffna District Irrigation Engineer, the Secretary of the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha, and the Coordination Secretaries to the Governor.
