• Takes part in the ‘Kapthuru Saviya’ launch 
• New 2-lane Vadduvakal Bridge constructions commences

Following his participation on Monday (1) in a series of inauguration and development programmes in Jaffna, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake undertook an inspection visit to Katchatheevu Island, according to the President’s Media Division. 

President Dissanayake was also scheduled to participate in a number of events and inaugurate several development projects in the Northern Province yesterday (2), marking the second day of his official tour.

Coinciding with the World Coconut Day, the launching ceremony of the ‘Kapthuru Saviya’ initiative, aimed at revitalising coconut cultivation in the Northern Coconut Triangle, was scheduled to be held yesterday in Puthukkudiyiruppu under the President’s patronage. 

This programme is being launched with the target of cultivating 16,000 acres of coconut in the Northern Province by this year, with plans to expand the area to 50,000 acres by 2027. Also aligned with the initiative, the first coconut seedling production centre in the North will be launched in Pallai. Additionally, a coconut-related exhibition organised by the Coconut Development Authority near the Puthukkudiyiruppu Central College was to be officially opened.

The first coconut seed production unit in the Northern Province was inaugurated yesterday (2) in Pallai. The initiative is being implemented as a collaborative programme between the Coconut Research Institute and the Chilaw Plantations Company. The Government has planned to promote Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Mannar as the Northern Coconut Triangle. Under this programme, 16,000 acres of coconut cultivation are expected to be established in the Northern Province by 2025, with expansion to 40,000 acres projected within the three years from 2025 to 2027.

Meanwhile, the construction of the Vadduvakal Bridge in the Mullaitivu District was also scheduled to commence yesterday. This bridge, located along the Paranthan-Karachchi-Mullaitivu road, spans the Nandikadal Lagoon and is used by more than 3,000 vehicles daily. 

Due to the lack of maintenance over an extended period, the bridge is currently in a highly unsafe condition. As a solution, the Road Development Authority has planned to construct a new two-lane bridge, with an investment of Rs. 1.4 billion from public tax revenue.