The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that the responsibility for promptly implementing the decisions taken to address the basic problems faced by the people lies with the relevant departments. He further emphasized that the departments must recognize and fulfill their responsibilities, particularly in relation to the offshore islands of the Jaffna District.

A special discussion on finding solutions to the daily problems faced by the people of the island regions of Nedunthivu, Kayts, Karainagar, and Velanai was successfully held this morning – on Wednesday 27 May 2026, at the Velanai Divisional Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Sciences and Marine Resources, Hon. R. Chandrasekhar, with the participation of the Hon. Governor of Northern Province.

The discussion commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Jaffna District Secretary, M. Piiratheepan. Speaking thereafter, the Hon. Governor stated, “This meeting was organized in response to the request made by the Hon. Minister to hold a special discussion regarding the problems faced by the people living in the island regions. A special perspective is required concerning the offshore island areas. Certain immediate decisions must be taken to find solutions to the issues faced by the people of these regions. The relevant departments should implement the decisions taken without any delay, and a situation requiring repeated reviews should not arise.”

Continuing his remarks, Hon. Minister R. Chandrasekhar stated that this was not a routine coordination committee meeting. He pointed out that there are allegations among the public that even the matters discussed and decisions taken at coordination committee meetings are not being properly implemented by the relevant departments. Therefore, he stressed that the departments should take this matter seriously and ensure the immediate implementation of the decisions reached at this meeting. He further emphasized that if migration from the island regions is to be prevented, the people must be provided with all essential basic facilities.

Following this, each sectoral issue was examined separately in detail.
Education:
During the discussion on education, the issue of teacher shortages in the offshore island regions was raised as a major concern. Matters such as the failure to fill principal vacancies, as well as the lack of accommodation and transportation facilities for teachers, were also highlighted. In response, the Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Education stated that priority would be given to these areas in the appointment of new teachers.

Intervening at this point, the Hon. Minister requested that special attention be paid to the island regions and that necessary measures be taken without comparing them to other areas. Following this, the Hon. Governor directed officials to take urgent action to completely fill the teacher vacancies. He also gave a special assurance that service of two years in the offshore islands would be considered equivalent to service in outer districts, and instructed officials to identify and appoint teachers who are willing to serve in those areas.

Transport :
The disruptions affecting the maritime transportation of the people of Delft were discussed in detail. During the discussion, the Commander of the Northern Naval Area stated that the two passenger vessels, Neduntharakai and Vadatharakai, would be ready to resume service by the middle of next month following the completion of repair work.

Until then, the Delft Divisional Secretary informed that steps have been initiated to hire a chartered vessel for transportation services, and that the relevant standard inspections and tests are being carried out today.

Water supply:
It was pointed out that the existing RO plant in Delft was insufficient to supply drinking water to the entire island. It was further stated that the water supply could be increased to some extent by repairing the leakages in the water tank constructed there.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board informed the meeting that a proposal to establish an additional water treatment plant for Delft has already been submitted to the National Planning Secretariat. The Hon. Minister assured that the necessary funds for the project could be obtained through the Government of Sri Lanka.

A request was also made to proceed with a piped water supply scheme as a permanent solution to the drinking water problem in Nainathivu. Until such a solution is implemented, officials were directed to ensure a continuous water supply through the existing pumping system.

Health
The Regional Director of Health Services of the Jaffna District stated that steps have been taken to address the shortcomings at the Delft Regional Hospital. He further noted that a committee comprising ten civilians has been appointed, and arrangements have been made to hold discussions with the hospital administration and take necessary action.

The Hon. Governor directed that arrangements be made for doctors and pharmacists serving in Delft to remain there on a permanent basis, rather than being transferred frequently.

In addition, the Director of Health Services stated that steps have been taken to issue priority cards to patients travelling from the island regions to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for treatment. Preliminary work has also been carried out to provide an ambulance boat service for Analaithivu.

The Hon. Governor further instructed that arrangements to facilitate the monthly visits of medical specialists to Delft should be given favorable consideration.

When concerns were raised regarding the inconvenience faced by patients due to the lack of public toilet facilities in certain hospitals, the Hon. Minister stated that the His Excellency the President has assured that special financial allocations will be provided by 2027 for the construction of private and public toilet facilities in the Northern Province wherever necessary.

Livestock and Cooperatives Department:
Special attention was given to the issues of cattle theft and illegal smuggling in the island regions. During the discussion, the Chairman pointed out that the Velanai Pradeshiya Sabha had passed a resolution requesting joint monitoring operations by the Police and the Navy at the police station in Mandaithivu. The Divisional Secretary also emphasized the need to establish a similar police station at Ponnalai Junction.

During the discussion on the cooperative sector, the Hon. Minister advised officials to consider distributing fertilizers to farmers in Delft through the multi-purpose cooperative societies. He further urged the officials to adopt a constructive approach toward encouraging the sale of palm wine and promoting related private investments, rather than approaching such matters with negative attitudes.

The discussion was attended by the Chairmen of the Regional Coordination Committees, Hon. Members of Parliament K. Ilankumaran and J. Rajeevan, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Provincial Ministry Secretaries, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Hon. Chairmen of the Pradeshiya Sabhas, senior officers of the Navy and Police, Heads of Departments, and several other officials and representatives.