President addresses concerns raised at Jaffna talks
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that comprehensive solutions would be offered to address the challenges businessmen in the Northern Province encountered within the next two months.
He highlighted that officials from relevant Ministries will visit the Northern Province within the next two weeks to assess the situation, with plans to establish a dynamic agency dedicated to resolving issues faced by the business community in the province.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a discussion at the Jaffna District Secretariat, engaging with industrialists, fishermen, and farmers.
Approximately 300 representatives from the industrial, fishing, and farming sectors in the Northern Province are actively engaged in this event.
They presented their challenges and proposed new ideas related to their respective industries to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President Wickremesinghe, attentively addressing the concerns raised, promptly initiated actions to provide solutions to specific issues.
The industrialists have appealed to the President to establish an industrial zone in the Northern Province. In response, the President has directed officials to explore suitable land areas for this purpose.
Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials to expedite the establishment of a Provincial Business Promotion Centre in the Northern Province.
Acknowledging the crucial role of business development in the province’s active contribution to the national economy, the President has instructed officials to address the challenges hindering this progress swiftly.
Simultaneously, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the academic staff of Jaffna University at the Jaffna District Secretariat.
Jaffna University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, and the academic staff, including the university’s senior lecturers, were in attendance. During the meeting, a comprehensive development plan outlining transformative changes for Jaffna University was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed a comprehensive redesign of the university system, particularly emphasizing technological advancements. He urged the implementation of diverse approaches to ensure English proficiency among all university students, advocating for the use of distance learning methods.
Acknowledging the human resources challenge, the President suggested tapping into the diaspora, including retired individuals, and welcoming foreign lecturers who expressed interest. Support, such as tickets and residential options, would be provided based on individual preferences.
The President stressed the importance of understanding the expectations of those willing to contribute, and measures have already been introduced to facilitate their involvement. He encouraged clear communication of specific requirements to ensure a seamless process.
To address the human resource shortage, the President proposed attracting non-diaspora lecturers, possibly from Sri Lanka or other countries like India (Bangalore) or the United States. External lecturers would be engaged for a defined period, with Jaffna leading the initiative for other universities.
Acknowledging the crucial role of business development in the province’s active contribution to the national economy, the President has instructed officials to address the challenges hindering this progress swiftly.
Simultaneously, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the academic staff of Jaffna University at the Jaffna District Secretariat.
Jaffna University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, and the academic staff, including the university’s senior lecturers, were in attendance. During the meeting, a comprehensive development plan outlining transformative changes for Jaffna University was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed a comprehensive redesign of the university system, particularly emphasizing technological advancements.
He urged the implementation of diverse approaches to ensure English proficiency among all university students, advocating for the use of distance learning methods.
Acknowledging the human resources challenge, the President suggested tapping into the diaspora, including retired individuals, and welcoming foreign lecturers who expressed interest. Support, such as tickets and residential options, would be provided based on individual preferences.
The President stressed the importance of understanding the expectations of those willing to contribute, and measures have already been introduced to facilitate their involvement.
He encouraged clear communication of specific requirements to ensure a seamless process.
To address the human resource shortage, the President proposed attracting non-diaspora lecturers, possibly from Sri Lanka or other countries like India (Bangalore) or the US.
External lecturers would be engaged for a defined period, with Jaffna leading the initiative for other universities.