Govt ignoring Northern infrastructure projects, says ITAK MP

Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has accused the Government of neglecting critical economic infrastructure in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, despite the availability of substantial foreign donor funding earmarked for development.

Rasamanickam criticised Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake for showing a lack of interest in expanding Jaffna’s Palaly International Airport and upgrading the Kankasanthurai (KKS) Port ferry service.

He said that despite the resolution of land issues and expressions of support from international partners, development of Palaly Airport has stalled, even as Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) struggles with congestion and limited flight capacity.

The ITAK MP claimed $63 million in donor funds remain unused while northern transport infrastructure continues to deteriorate.

He warned that this not only affects the Northern Province’s connectivity and economic potential, but also undermines broader national growth opportunities.

Highlighting the underdeveloped state of the KKS-Nagapattinam ferry route, Rasamanickam said Sri Lanka risks losing access to a market of nearly two billion people if passenger experiences remain substandard.

A widely circulated video on social media, he noted, has already damaged the country’s international image.

Rasamanickam also slammed the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government for prioritising symbolic gestures over substantive economic reform.

He said that small-scale projects like refurbishing bus stations or handing out basic supplies will not address the deeper economic challenges facing the country.

He noted that Sri Lanka’s lack of economic accountability could come under renewed international scrutiny at the upcoming 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council, where governance and the misuse of public funds are expected to be key issues.

Calling for a national economic strategy that benefits all citizens, Rasamanickam said continued neglect of the North would deepen inequality and fuel the growing desire among Sri Lankan youth to migrate in search of better opportunities.