Govt. to kick-start large-scale development projects

Tuesday, 26 August 2025 03:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bimal Rathnayake

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake says development drive to begin with Jaffna
Northern Province to get new Coconut Triangle, international sports complex
Vows to resolve passport bottlenecks for Northerners

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake said yesterday that the Government would begin a series of large-scale development projects in September, with the first phase scheduled to commence in Jaffna.

Development work in the Northern Province will start on 2 September, with a focus on creating a new Coconut Triangle centred around the Mullaitivu area in the Vanni region.

“From 1 September, the Government will implement major development projects for the benefit of the people. Among them is the opening of an international sports complex in Mandaitivu, Jaffna,” Rathnayake said.

He added that the longstanding issue faced by Jaffna residents in obtaining passports from the District Secretariat would also be addressed. A new online system will be introduced to provide the service. “We hope to initiate a national-level development drive through these efforts,” he said.

Large-scale development projects stalled during the economic crisis, with 2025 being the first full year of recovery.