A consultation among stakeholders to tackle challenges in Northern Province, Sri Lanka
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) successfully concluded a two-day consultative workshop titled, “The Northern Dialogue 2025: Pathways to Development.” The event provided a vital platform for stakeholders to engage in productive discussions on a range of timely and imminent issues affecting the Northern Province. The consultative workshop focused on six key priority areas: (1) livelihood support, (2) youth skills and empowerment, (3) substance abuse,
(4) refugee returnees’ and related issues, (5) psychosocial support, and (6) border governance and tourism in the Northern province of Sri Lanka. The workshop provided a platform for participants to share perspectives, collaborate to devise innovative solutions, and chart a course for sustainable development in the Northern Province, comprised of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Kilinochchi districts. The event was graced by Mr. L. Ilaangovan, Chief Secretary – Northern province, Mr. M. Nathagopalan – Secretary to the Governor, Mr. M. Piratheepan – District Secretary, Jaffna, and Ms. Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for Sri Lanka and the Maldives of IOM. Representatives from the district and divisional secretariats and other key government entities in the Northern province, along with local community-based organizations, UN entities, and academia participated in this consultation, as well.
The event, hosted in Jaffna, aimed to foster collaboration among government representatives, civil society organizations, academia, and international development partners. With an agenda focused on identifying actionable steps to overcome the region’s unique challenges, the dialogue facilitated meaningful exchange of ideas and solutions. The consultation fostered open discussions and laid the groundwork for an inclusive and sustainable regional roadmap.
The workshop was facilitated under the project ‘Expanded Support for Durable Resettlement and Reintegration in Sri Lanka (EDRR)’, funded by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Muti-Partner Trust Fund, jointly implemented by IOM and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Ms. Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for Sri Lanka and the Maldives of IOM, delivering the opening remarks at the event, stated, “The Northern Province endured significant challenges due to the protracted conflict. The impact on communities has been profound, resulting in displacement, loss of livelihoods, and the destruction of infrastructure. Today, we come together to address these challenges and to chart a course for a brighter future for the people of this region.”
IOM and UNDP, through the EDRR project, have reinforced Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), skills development, and the expansion of livelihood opportunities. By providing peer group counselling, business development trainings, and quick-impact initiatives, the project has restored hope and instilled confidence across conflict-affected communities in Northern Sri Lanka. Additionally, the project introduced National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) programs to enhance youth employability, fostering a sense of self-reliance and personal growth.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. L. Ilangovan, Chief Secretary of the Northern Province remarked, “The history of displacement in the North of Sri Lanka spans over four decades, across generations. The principal challenge that befalls us today is to instill faith in the social contract and restore relations that were strained due to the conflict. We thank entities such as IOM for the support rendered in assisting Internally Displaced Persons to rebuild their lives and for the dedication in developing the Northern Province.”
IOM and the UN remain committed to serving the most vulnerable, in alignment with IOM’s strategic objectives for 2024-2028–saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration–and the central tenet of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ‘Leaving no one behind’.
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For more information, please contact:
Minoli P. Don, Head – Protection Unit (PXU), IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tel : 0094 777 409 409
E-mail : [email protected]
Asel Kularatne – Communications Officer, IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tel : 0094 257 799
E-mail : [email protected]
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