“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child in the Northern Province has access to their basic rights, needs, and essential services. While many are willing to volunteer their support, it is imperative that we establish a coordinated and organized system to deliver this assistance effectively,” said the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethanayahan.
The Indian Consulate, in collaboration with POLO Laboratory, organized a Global Symposium on “Nutrition, Health, and Early Learning – Connecting a Child to a Future” at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall in Jaffna on Tuesday morning, 09th September 2025. The event was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Saranya Jeyakumar, an educational psychologist and child rights expert from India.
In his speech, the Governor emphasized that the Northern Province must be viewed through a different lens compared to the rest of the country — as a region deeply affected by a prolonged war. He noted that many children in the province have lost their parents to the conflict, and numerous families have lost their primary breadwinners. These realities must be taken into account as we work to shape a better future for the province’s children.
“Poverty should never be a barrier to education,” he said, adding that the government is providing various forms of assistance to ensure access. However, he stressed that a child’s education is heavily influenced by their family environment. Many resettled families have not yet fully returned to a stable life. In such situations, it is uncertain whether children from these families — already burdened by trauma and hardship — are consistently able to attend school and benefit from it.”
The Governor further pointed out that, apart from Jaffna, the other four districts of the Northern Province contain many remote and isolated villages. In these areas, the population of school-age children is low, leading to the closure of many primary schools. As a result, children living in these villages often have no choice but to travel long distances to access education — a challenge that not all can manage. This disparity means that equal opportunities are still out of reach for many. “It is essential that we all work together to change this reality,” he said.
He also highlighted that many children in the province have lost their parents due to various circumstances, including the war, and are now being raised by their grandparents. “We must pay close attention to the safety and future of these children,” the Governor added.
“That is why I have emphasized that the Northern Province must be viewed through a unique lens, distinct from other provinces,” the Governor stated. “We need to adopt a different and tailored approach to address the specific challenges faced by our region. I believe this seminar will play a meaningful role in guiding us toward that goal.”
The event saw the participation of Indian Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Sai Murali, Jaffna District Secretary Mr. M. Piiratheepan, professors and lecturers from the University of Jaffna, teachers from the National College of Education, students, government officials, and many others.
