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Jaffna's drive to prosperity

Jaffna, the main city in the North, is now the on the cusp of a development revolution. The area has progressed rapidly since its liberation from the LTTE in 1995. A recent event marked the revival of paddy cultivation in the peninsula. The Nallur Kovil festival attracted hundreds of thousands of devotees from here and abroad. Trade and education exhibitions conducted in Jaffna have been tremendously successful.

The biggest boost to the fortunes of Jaffna was the liberation of the entire North from the LTTE in May this year and the subsequent opening of major highways including the Kandy-Jaffna A9 to commercial traffic. This means that Jaffna is no longer an 'island' cut off from the rest of Sri Lanka.

Before the opening of the A9, goods and passengers had to be transported by sea via Trincomalee. This was an expensive, time consuming process. The prices of goods were much higher in Jaffna due to this situation.

This picture is now being changed. Leading businesspersons and analysts say Jaffna has the potential to become a leading bustling business centre in the country. The banking sector has already realized this - the leading private banks are scrambling to gain a foothold there. Telecommunications services are expanding at an accelerated pace. The entry of the Sri Lanka Air Force as a commercial carrier to the Colombo-Jaffna air route has also helped the business sector in Jaffna.

Other investments in logistics, food processing, industries, education, transport, warehousing, tourism and cold storage post harvest technology are in the offing. More foreign investors should be encouraged to set up ventures in the peninsula.

The National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is playing a leading role in this transformation, along with the relevant business chambers in Jaffna.

A 50-member delegation from the NCCSL recently visited Jaffna to meet the Jaffna business community and to explore opportunities there. The NCCSL's visit had resulted in progress towards developing business ventures.

The NCCSL is already assisting the Jaffna Women's Chamber of Commerce under the Business Processing Fund, a grant by the Netherlands Government. The Fund will provide machinery and equipment to start business and nearly 50 recipients have benefited from this scheme.

The Ministry of Industries is also planning to set up an industrial zone in Jaffna which will accommodate local and foreign investments.

The linkage between the Southern and Northern business communities augurs well for the economy. The re-integration of the North and the East to the national economy will definitely help increase its growth rate.

The easing of restrictions on fishing and the recommencement of agricultural activities in the North are just two factors that will drive this growth. It is also important to identify other potential businesses that had been affected by the conflict and take steps to revive them. All possible incentives and concessions should be granted for rejuvenating these businesses. This will help generate employment for the Jaffna youth. leaving no room for certain elements to exploit their frustrations.

As a city which suffered the brunt of the conflict, Jaffna does have many woes. There should be better roads and improved access to the road network.

Other infrastructure facilities too have to be developed. It was only recently that Jaffna received a 24-hour electricity supply. The electricity network in Jaffna must be expanded to meet the rising demand from homes and industries.

The much-anticipated recommencement of train services to Jaffna will enable goods to be sent by rail at affordable rates. Facilities should be provided for tourists to visit Jaffna. The city needs more star class hotel rooms to cater to this influx of local and foreign tourists. More tourist spots in the peninsula must be identified. Another exciting area for growth is education - there is a dearth of educational opportunities for Jaffna students. Educational institutions will thus be able to thrive in Jaffna.

The Port at Kankesanthurai must be developed to facilitate exporters and importers. This must be done with an eye on the huge Indian market. Jaffna can position itself as a 'gateway to India' due to its proximity. A ferry service too will be ideal to cater to passenger transport needs between the two countries.

The NCCSL has suggested the opening of a 'one-stop shop' for dealing with all business inquiries on Jaffna. This is a timely proposal because red tape and other impediments will not be conducive for the rapid development of Jaffna. This should necessarily have offices in Colombo and Jaffna. Our trade missions abroad can promote this 'one stop shop' among potential investors in those countries.

Jaffna has a resourceful, persevering people who can be fully involved with the development drive envisaged under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program. All government and private sector stakeholders must strive to make it a great success.