Rasamanickam slams Govt. over stalled Palaly, KKS development amid donor funds on offer

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam yesterday accused the Government of neglecting critical economic infrastructure in the North, despite foreign donor grants being available to upgrade facilities such as the Palaly Airport and the Kankasanthurai (KKS) Port ferry service.

Rasamanickam questioned why Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake has shown “no interest” in advancing the development of the Jaffna International Airport, even though land issues have been resolved and international partners have expressed readiness to support expansion.

He pointed out that Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has already reached peak capacity, with airlines cancelling weekly flights due to a shortage of slots.

“The Government has $ 63 million in donor funding ready, yet the Palaly Airport remains underdeveloped. Why is the Minister refusing to answer questions about this?” Rasamanickam asked, warning that the neglect carries significant economic consequences, not just for the Northern Province, but to the entire country.

Regarding the KKS Port and its ferry link to Nagapattinam in India, the MP said the route connects Sri Lanka to a potential market of 2 billion people, but poor facilities undermine its potential. “A video circulating on social media showed the low standards at KKS Port. If passengers have such experiences, they won’t return, and it tarnishes Sri Lanka’s international image,” he noted.

Rasamanickam criticised the ruling NPP Government, saying one year into its tenure it has failed to put in place mechanisms to boost economic activities, focusing instead on symbolic openings and small-scale projects. “Refurbishing a bus station in Fort, opening a tap, or handing over bicycle tyres will not drive economic development,” he remarked.

He also tied the issue to broader concerns over governance, saying Sri Lanka will face renewed scrutiny at the upcoming 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), where stronger accountability mechanisms for economic crimes and misuse of public funds are expected to be discussed.

“The failure to deliver on promises of economic justice affects not just minorities in the North but the entire country. For youth across the North and South, the common aspiration is to leave for better opportunities abroad,” Rasamanickam stressed, warning that continued inaction risks worsening inequality and eroding trust.