President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today inaugurated several major development projects in Jaffna, pledging to return all lands acquired by security forces during the war back to the people and to strengthen the livelihoods of Northern communities.
The President launched the third phase of the Myliddy Fisheries Harbour Development Project, which will provide essential facilities such as water, electricity, fuel, cold storage, net-mending centres, auction halls and radio communication centres. These services are intended not only for the Northern fishing community but also for vessels arriving from the Eastern and Southern provinces.
The government has allocated Rs. 298 million for the current phase of the project. Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake emphasized that his administration was working to ensure lasting peace and harmony, unlike past governments which operated with the expectation of war.
“Every plot of land in the North that was acquired for the security forces during the war will be released back to the people,” he assured, adding that safeguarding the nation’s seas, islands and landmass for the benefit of its citizens was a top priority.
In addition to the harbour project, the President also opened the Jaffna Regional Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, located within the Jaffna District Secretariat. Equipped with modern technology, the office will serve the growing number of passport applicants in the Northern Province.
Later in the day, President Dissanayake will launch the E-Library programme at the Jaffna Public Library, allowing global digital access to its collection, and attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium.
Two public gatherings are scheduled as part of his visit, underlining the government’s commitment to development, reconciliation and community engagement in the North.
