Speaking at the Jaffna District Coordination Committee (DCC) Meeting held today (31) at the Jaffna District Secretariat, the President emphasized that while the government has the authority to acquire land for development projects or security purposes, affected individuals must be provided with alternative land.
He announced that the Jaffna President’s House would be repurposed for a project benefiting the local community and urged officials to submit proposals for its transformation.
Key Development Initiatives
🔹 Employment Opportunities – A committee led by the Prime Minister’s Secretary has identified 30,000 state sector vacancies, which will be filled following proper recruitment procedures, with priority given to university graduates.
🔹 Police Recruitment – Tamil-speaking youth will be encouraged to apply for police department vacancies, expanding their role in national law enforcement.
🔹 Transport Sector Upgrades – The government plans to strengthen public transport in the Northern Province, including a joint bus operation between the SLTB and private bus operators, alongside increasing the frequency of train services.
🔹 Industrial Growth – Three new industrial zones will be established in Paranthan, Mankulam, and Kankesanthurai, with an invitation extended to Sri Lankans abroad to invest in these projects.
🔹 Tourism Boost – With 2.5 million tourists expected next year, the government aims to identify and promote new tourist attractions in the Northern Province.
🔹 Water Supply Expansion – The region, identified as having the lowest consumption of piped drinking water, will see accelerated water supply projects, with budget allocations secured for further infrastructure development.
🔹 Fisheries Disputes – The government will engage in maximum diplomatic intervention to resolve fisheries-related issues affecting the Northern Province.
President Dissanayake assured that state sector recruitments in the region will be conducted without political interference and reiterated the government’s dedication to strengthening education, healthcare, agriculture, and public services in the province. He stressed that both political leadership and state mechanisms must collaborate to uplift the living standards of the people.
