A special discussion was held between the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-André Franche, and the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, at the Fisheries Ministry yesterday (30).
The Minister outlined the large-scale development initiatives currently underway in the Northern Province, along with ongoing efforts to modernize the fisheries sector. The Secretary to the Ministry, B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, also participated in the discussion.
Sharing his views on the development of the fisheries sector, the Minister drew special attention to the fishery harbour projects in Mayliddi and Gurunagar. Accordingly, Rs. 298 million has been allocated for the first phase of the Myliddi Fishery Harbour Renovation Project, which was officially inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on September 01, 2025. The project will introduce advanced infrastructure, including fish markets, modern cold storage facilities, net repair centers, and a radio communication center. He further emphasized that the Gurunagar Fisheries Harbour Modernization Project, implemented under the World Bank’s US $100 million development fund, will significantly strengthen the livelihoods and fish production chain of thousands of fishing families.
Commenting on other development activities in the North, the Minister highlighted that the government has paid special focus on the construction of the Wadduwakal Bridge across the Mullaitivu Nandikadal Lagoon, a project valued at Rs. 1.4 billion, as well as the “Northern Coconut Triangle” initiative spanning five districts. He also noted that the primary objective of the Kivul Oya project is to ensure a reliable water supply for agricultural purposes.
Additionally, the Minister stated that the Ministry of Industries has initiated measures to expand industrial zones by utilizing underused lands in the Northern Province, with the aim of attracting both local and foreign investments.
During the discussion, both parties also exchanged views on several key issues, including missing persons, land release, and other ongoing development efforts.
