Jaffna biz community set to receive fresh boost

• President Wickremesinghe assures all grievances will be addressed
• Says “comprehensive solutions” will be offered within the next two months
• Ministry officials to start assessment within the next two weeks
• Jaffna biz community urges govt. to set up industrial zone in the North  

Business in Jaffna is expected to receive a fresh boost this year with President Ranil Wickremesinghe assuring that their grievances will be addressed without fail.

Wickremesinghe, during his visit to the Northern Province last week, met with the business community in Jaffna and affirmed that “comprehensive solutions” will be offered within the next two months to address the challenges faced.

Officials from relevant ministries will visit the region within the next two weeks to assess the situation. Efforts are also underway to establish a dynamic agency dedicated to resolving issues faced by the business community in the province.
During the engagement with industrialists, fishermen, and farmers of the Jaffna District, the President underscored the significance of business development for the Northern Province to play an active role in contributing to the national economy.

Approximately 300 representatives from the business community in that region took part in the engagement. They were presented with a platform to share with the President the issues faced and propose new ideas related to their respective industries.
At the meeting, the business community urged the government to actively explore the possibility of establishing an industrial zone in the Northern Province. In response, the President directed officials to explore suitable land areas for this purpose.
Wickremesinghe also directed officials to expedite the establishment of a Provincial Business Promotion Centre in

the Northern Province. 

Acknowledging the crucial role of business development for the province’s active contribution to the national economy, the President has instructed officials to urgently address the challenges hindering this progress.
Furthermore, Wickremesinghe also engaged with the academic staff of Jaffna University at the Jaffna District Secretariat where he proposed a comprehensive redesign of the university system, particularly emphasising technological advancements.

He urged the implementation of diverse approaches to ensure English proficiency among all university students, advocating for the use of distance learning methods.
Acknowledging the challenge of human resources, Wickremesinghe suggested tapping into the diaspora, including retired individuals, and welcoming foreign lecturers who expressed interest. Support, such as tickets and residential options, would be provided based on individual preferences.