The islands and islets off the Jaffna Peninsula were virtually under the control of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party for more than 25 years, member of the Northern Provincial Council Vinthan Kanagaratnam said on Sunday (21). He was speaking at an Athletic meet jointly organised by Gandhiji Community Centre and the Gandhiji Sports Club in commemoration of the 65th Anniversary of Gandhiji Community Centre in Thambatty.

“During the era it was under the control of the EPDP the sports and education spheres were undeveloped.  Even the security of the people was under threat.
“We are now implementing many development projects in these areas towards the progress of the people. Sadly, the government and affiliated groups are causing us difficulties to carry out our task.  “The central government had allocated a sum of Rs 5,831 million as capital expenditure for the Northern Province. Out of this only Rs. 1, 876 mn had been allocated to the Provincial Council.

“However Rs. 3,955 is in the custody of the Governor of the Northern Province,” he said. “The governor is utilising the fund as instructed by the central government. If the Statutory Law on the Chief Minister had been implemented, the Tamil diaspora, philanthropists and many other countries would have come forward to help us,” he said.

“Those who blocked the avenues are asking our performance in one year. The people know it better. If those in the Jaffna islands invite us for any events they are questioned and harassed,” he said.
“These acts are undemocratic and lack political maturity,” he said.