The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, in the Northern Province—particularly in Jaffna and Kilinochchi—people face social and economic problems: employment challenges, educational facilities, youth futures, housing, drinking water, electricity, land disputes; agriculture and fisheries affected; and widespread narcotics harming students and youth. Politically and administratively, too, there are many difficulties. Because of the war, parents lost children and children lost parents; persons with disabilities and those who lost land and homes still suffer.

¶ 02 Two main reasons underpin these issues: the 30‑year civil war and successive governments failing to develop districts for various reasons. Taking these into account, our NPP government has allocated significant funds in the 2025 Budget to develop the Northern Province, particularly Jaffna and Kilinochchi. On behalf of our people, I thank the President.

¶ 03 The Northern Province no longer contributes to national output as before, due to (1) the actions of past politicians and (2) the supporting conduct of some officials. Even today, some officials fail to implement people’s projects, following old habits. Before the war, Jaffna significantly contributed through agriculture, fisheries, and other sectors, with tourism potential, an airport, and ports. The fisheries sector is resource‑rich, and the coastal beauty attracts tourists.

¶ 04 The Kankesanthurai cement factory—once a major contributor to construction and national output—has collapsed, increasing unemployment and reducing incomes. Resource allocation was poor. Roads were tarred in haste without proper drainage; during rains, houses flood due to lack of planning—this is a severe problem.

¶ 05 Our international airport and Kankesanthurai harbour once contributed to the economy and tourism, but their current condition is poor. Today, industries that could aid exports and jobs are struggling.

¶ 06 Key sectors include KKS cement, Paranthan chemical factory, Chunnakam power, Puttur weaving—along with fisheries, dry fish, agriculture (particularly onion, chilli, banana), palmyrah, and coconut products. War and displacement caused severe setbacks and economic decline. Therefore, it is welcome that the government has allocated more funds to the North to restore prosperity.

¶ 07 Our island clusters—Neduntheevu, Nainatheevu, Analaitheevu, Eluvaitivu, Mandaitivu, Karainagar, Velanai—can be developed into key tourism destinations, creating jobs and increasing foreign exchange. We must swiftly implement plans to transform our districts.

¶ 08 Previously, funds allocated to these areas were returned or diverted to other regions for various reasons, causing setbacks. The Northern unemployment rate is higher than the national average. A recent report indicates Jaffna’s unemployment has risen to 21%; district statistics show 19,147 registered job seekers. We must develop multiple sectors to create jobs and build a prosperous population.

¶ 09 Youth face serious social problems—drug and alcohol abuse, gang clashes, illegal activities, depression, and social deviations—affecting students from schools to universities. The government has allocated significant funds to rescue youth and affected people; we must use these well.

¶ 10 This Budget targets 5% economic growth, limiting the deficit to 6.7% and achieving a 2.3% primary surplus. Exports in 2025 are projected at about USD 19 billion. Allocations include Rs. 3,000 million for the digital sector targeting youth, Rs. 5,000 million for Clean Sri Lanka, and Rs. 500 million for the Coconut Triangle.

¶ 11 For Mullaitivu, Rs. 10,000 million has been allocated to build the Vattuvagal Bridge—very welcome. Rs. 10,000 million has been allocated to rehabilitate the Jaffna Public Library, which has been warmly received by Tamils and offers solace. Additionally, Rs. 5,000 million has been allocated under Special Development to improve rural roads and bridges in the North. In districts like Kilinochchi, internal roads are badly damaged; repairing them will facilitate agriculture, fisheries, and local development.

¶ 12 Hon. Presiding Member (The Hon. Presiding Member)

¶ 13 Hon. Member, your time is over.