We successfully completed our work plans in 2025 amidst various challenges. Compared to 2025, there will be far fewer such challenges in 2026. Therefore, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that this year’s work plans must be completed by the upcoming August.
The official release event of the Northern Province Council’s budget book (financial statement) for 2026 took place this morning, – on Tuesday 06 January 2026, at the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat. Presided over by the Deputy Chief Secretary (Finance) of the Northern Province, R. Sivaroopan, the event included a clear explanation of the details regarding the financial allocations for 2026.
Subsequently, addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Thanuja Murugeson, noted that with the full cooperation of all parties, the projects were excellently completed last year, and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed.
Following that, the Governor officially released the Northern Province Council’s budget book for 2026 and handed it over to the Secretaries of Ministries, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Department Heads, and Chief Accountants.
In his subsequent address, the Governor stated that the 2025 budget was passed in Parliament by March. Only thereafter, in April and May, we were able to start project works. Moreover, the new procurement guidelines were released only afterwards. Additionally, a large number of vacancies in our cadre remained unfilled. Amidst such major challenges, we have efficiently spent the funds allocated to us.
However, in 2026, such challenges are not significant. We can start this year’s projects as early as this month. Furthermore, we can now begin the continuation work of projects started last year. The staff shortage has also been addressed to some extent. Therefore, procurement work can be completed within the first quarter of the year itself. Through this, projects must be fully completed by August.
When implementing our projects, we must also take into account the policies of the government led by His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The government promotes sustainable development. Similarly, it strengthens exports and the production economy. The government is encouraging various areas such as rural poverty alleviation, digitalization, an investment-friendly environment, and the tourism sector. These must be considered during our planning and implementation.
Greater importance should be given to the development of backward and isolated villages in the Northern Province. Priority must be given to villages that have been sidelined and neglected from development for many years, the Governor also emphasized.
The Chief Secretary of Northern Province, Secretaries of Provincial Ministries, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Department Heads, and Chief Accountants participated in this event.
