The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Chair, let me begin with a line from poet Namakkal Kavignar S. Ramalingam Pillai: “Learn a craft; then you need not fear.” Industry plays a vital role in national income. In my school days we learned of major industries: Kankesanthurai Cement, Paranthan Chemical, Achchuveli Salt, Valachchenai Paper, and Kantale Sugar. Their current condition is deeply distressing.

¶ 02 Since our Government took office, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Industries, along with Northern MPs including myself, visited KKS Cement, Paranthan Chemical, Achchuveli Salt, the designated 200-acre industrial site at Mankulam, and the Ottusuddan Tile Factory. KKS is overgrown; past quarrying has left deep pits 15–20 feet that must be safely decommissioned; further quarrying risks environmental damage and flooding. About 300 hectares lie unused—now under high-level review for productive use.

¶ 03 At Achchuveli Salt, although we once faced the misfortune of importing salt, we observed capacity to meet national needs and even export. Previously, raw salt was sold to private parties who iodized and marketed it. The Government has procured new machinery; iodized salt powder production will commence next week—a welcome development. Nearby, in Kurinjathivu, salt resources could, combined with national output, enable exports.

¶ 04 We also noted welfare gaps for salt workers—irregular employment and benefits. We promised to introduce an insurance scheme and to provide workers a share of the output; we will deliver.

¶ 05 We have identified over 200 acres at Mankulam for an industrial estate and will invite investors; cabinet has decided to proceed. At Paranthan, the former chemical plant site is overgrown; we will prepare to restart. At Ottusuddan, the tile factory was locked for over 30 years; moves had been made to sell it to the private sector. We halted that and last week restarted tile production—the first factory to be revived in the Northern Province in 30 years—providing immediate jobs. We intend to reopen other facilities, creating employment for local youth.

¶ 06 We must also leverage palmyrah and coconut to spur an industrial revival. This year, 16,000 hectares of coconut cultivation will be undertaken to boost value-added products for domestic needs and export. Palmyrah-based cottage industries have languished due to lack of markets and technical support. We are in discussions with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to create market linkages so tourists can buy these craft products, earning foreign exchange and raising artisans’ incomes. We will ensure proper marketing, digitization, and continuous monitoring so cottage industries contribute meaningfully to national income. Thank you for the opportunity.