President Outlines Major Social Priorities in Jaffna

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the government has commenced the new housing programme to address long‑standing housing shortages faced by families displaced during the war. 

Speaking at the event, the President stated that although many houses were damaged during the conflict, a significant number have not been fully reconstructed even after many years.

He noted that a large portion of residents in the Jaffna District had been displaced during the war and that several families continue to live without permanent homes. 

The President emphasised that the government aims to resolve the housing issues of all war‑displaced people within its term of office.

He said communities in the Northern region had placed considerable trust and hope in the current administration. He added that political views in these areas had differed from national politics for decades, which he said was understandable given past governance failures, including nationalism, misuse of public resources, and neglect of public needs.

According to the President, the current administration is the first in Sri Lanka that the people of Jaffna feel they can trust. He said the government’s foremost responsibility is to uplift the lives of the most vulnerable, including ensuring housing for the homeless and improving access to quality education. A significant budget allocation has been designated for this purpose, he added.

The President also highlighted the need to strengthen key livelihood sectors such as agriculture, coconut cultivation, fisheries, and small‑scale industries, which form the economic base of the region.

Reflecting on past conflict, he stated that decades of war, suspicion, and ethnic hostility brought no benefit to any community and resulted in widespread loss in both the North and South. 

He said some groups continue to attempt to provoke division through nationalist politics centred on heritage or religious sites.

He assured that the government will not allow space for ethnic nationalism in any part of the country, including among Sinhala, Tamil, or Muslim communities.

The President said that plans for a major sports complex in Jaffna are underway, though some land‑related issues are being addressed with district officials. He stated that the project will be completed within the year.

He further said that an indoor sports stadium in Jaffna town had been delayed due to a court case filed by certain politicians. He questioned the need for such legal challenges, adding that Jaffna’s youth require such facilities. The President said the legal process would be expedited and that the stadium would be completed at the proposed location—or at an alternative nearby site—within the year.