“People tend to continue with wrong practices and hesitate to change. Change can only be brought about when everyone works together,” said Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
A training program for the Chairmen and Secretaries of local authorities in the Jaffna District, organized by the Urban Development Authority, was inaugurated by the Northern Province Governor on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the office of the Northern Province Commissioner of Local Government.
Speaking at the event, the Governor emphasized, “We must bring about changes in line with the times. We need to expand our services and make them more efficient. I commend those Chairmen and Secretaries who are taking bold actions. Others should follow suit. Chairmen and Secretaries must work together harmoniously. Conflicts between them create significant challenges for us. Such conflicts ultimately affect the people of the area, who are the ones we are all here to serve. Keep that in mind. Do not make people run around unnecessarily to access their services.”
The Governor further noted that large commercial institutions within the Jaffna Municipal Council limits are operating without obtaining occupancy certificates. As a result, the taxes they pay to the municipal council are lower than those paid by residents in a local authority area. “This cannot be allowed to continue. Local authorities are responsible for taking action against this. Let us work together to bring about change,” he urged.
The event was attended by the Secretary of the Northern Province Local Government Ministry, Mr. A. Sothinathan; Deputy Chief Secretary for Personnel and Training, Mr. S. Piranavanathan; Northern Province Local Government Commissioner, Mr.S. Sutharsan; and the Northern Province Director of the Urban Development Authority.
