’Well-Being Gastronomy City’ initiative

Monday, 3 August 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Secretary to the Governor S. Sathiyaseelan, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan, Sivasundaram Suharnan, Kansai International University, Japan Visiting Professor Hiroki Ikenaga, and TMC Jaffna Vice Chairman V. Niranjan

Participants at the Jaffna 2035 – Creating the World’s First Well-Being Gastronomy City forum

TMC Jaffna organised the Jaffna 2035 – Creating the World’s First

Well-Being Gastronomy City forum on 18 July 2026 at Jetwing Hotel- Jaffna, marking the beginning of an ambitious initiative to position Jaffna as a global destination for well-being, gastronomy, culture, and sustainable development.

Prior to this forum on 17 July 2026, the visiting Japanese delegation held a high-level discussion with the Northern Province Governor, where the vision for Jaffna by 2035 was presented and discussed. The meeting highlighted the importance of local leadership in advancing long-term, sustainable development initiatives for the Northern Province.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Kansai International University, Japan Visiting Professor Hiroki Ikenaga, who shared an innovative vision of creating the world’s first Well-being Gastronomy City. His presentation demonstrated how Jaffna’s unique strengths — including its rich culinary heritage, cultural traditions, Ayurveda, coastal environment, agriculture, fisheries, education, and strong community values — can be integrated into a globally recognised model that promotes human well-being while driving sustainable economic growth.

The Japanese delegation also shared international best practices, practical examples, and strategic insights on building a city that balances cultural preservation with innovation, tourism, research, entrepreneurship, and investment. The discussions encouraged participants to view Jaffna not only as a tourism destination but also as a centre for knowledge, wellness, gastronomy, and community-led development.

Business leaders, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, tourism stakeholders, and representatives from public institutions actively participated in the forum, engaging in discussions on how the Jaffna 2035 vision can create new opportunities for the Northern Province while preserving its unique identity and heritage.

Through initiatives such as this, TMC Jaffna continues to strengthen international partnerships and create platforms that connect global expertise with local leadership to accelerate regional development.