Open North to global investment, says Mano MP
31-Aug-2026.
Tamil Progressive Alliance leader and Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan has urged the Government to expedite the development of both the Palaly International Airport and the Kankesanthurai Port and immediately open Northern Sri Lanka to global trade and investment.
He also stressed that the Government should not forget that the development of the North is synonymous with the development of Sri Lanka as a whole.
He made these remarks in a statement issued to the media on August 30.
He further stated:
The Palaly International Airport and Kankesanthurai Port represent the biggest strategic opportunities currently available for the economic development of Northern Sri Lanka.
Neighbouring India is fully prepared to provide the financial assistance required for the development of both Palaly International Airport and Kankesanthurai Port. By making use of this favourable situation, opportunities have emerged to transform the Northern Province into a new centre of trade, investment and economic activity directly connected with global economic development.
Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake, who is responsible for the Northern Province on behalf of the Government, should not place any obstacles in the way of these opportunities.
It would be completely foolish to indirectly compare the two nationally important infrastructure projects at Palaly and Kankesanthurai with the failed projects at Mattala Airport and Hambantota Port, which have not delivered the expected economic benefits.
Bimal Rathnayake must first understand that Palaly and Kankesanthurai are structures with a far older and more significant historical heritage than Mattala and Hambantota.
You claim to be opposed to racism. However, the attitude that the Northern region should always remain dependent on Colombo appears to be deeply rooted in your thinking. This is a blatant exercise in political double standards.
Therefore, my clear message to the National People's Power Government is this: at a time when India is prepared to provide financial assistance, immediately commence the development work at Palaly Airport and Kankesanthurai Port without any further delay.
Instead of restricting Northern Sri Lanka to merely being a region dependent on Colombo, transform it into a new economic centre directly connected with global trade, investment and economic development.
At the same time, rapidly establish transport facilities that will enable Tamils living across the world to travel directly to their homeland in the North.
The Government must not forget that the development of the North is the development of Sri Lanka as a whole.
