Strategic Air and Port Connectivity Enhancement Proposal Handed Over to Minister
On February 20, 2026, the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce formally handed over a comprehensive Strategic Air and Port Connectivity Enhancement Proposal to Professor Aruna Kunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Aviation, at the YMCA Hall in Jaffna.
The Minister was in Jaffna to attend a meeting concerning education reform. During this visit, representatives of the Chamber emphasised the urgent need to strengthen aviation and maritime connectivity in order to fully unlock the economic potential of the Northern Province.
The Minister assured the delegation that he would carefully review the proposal. He further confirmed that he would return to Jaffna on 24 February to engage in further discussions with the Jaffna Forum Management Team (JMF) and representatives of the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce regarding development priorities. This follow-up engagement is viewed as a constructive and encouraging step towards structured regional development.
Expansion of Air Connectivity at Jaffna International Airport
The proposal places strong emphasis on expanding scheduled air services at Jaffna International Airport.
Key recommendations include strengthening high-frequency domestic services between Jaffna and Bandaranaike International Airport, while facilitating the introduction of regional international services directly linking Jaffna with Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
At present, members of the Tamil diaspora and international tourists arriving via Colombo must undertake an eight- to ten-hour road journey to reach Jaffna. A one-hour direct flight would significantly reduce travel time, ease highway congestion, lower accident risks, and provide a safer and more convenient travel option, particularly for elderly passengers and second-generation diaspora Tamils.
Introducing suitable regional aircraft with full baggage allowance and cargo capacity would enhance passenger convenience while supporting tourism growth, commercial activity, investment attraction, and balanced regional development.
Reliable air connectivity is not merely a matter of transportation. It is a strategic economic instrument capable of accelerating private sector expansion and regional integration.
Phased Development of Kankesanthurai Port
In parallel with aviation expansion, the proposal gives priority to the phased development of Kankesanthurai Port (KKS).
As an initial phase, it recommends introducing container services for small feeder vessels and establishing a direct trade link with Chennai Port.
With container yard facilities established at KKS Port, Northern traders’ dependence on Colombo would be reduced. This would lower freight costs, increase value-added exports, and stimulate sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, salt production, industry, and manufacturing. The result would be increased regional employment and a measurable contribution to national GDP.
Direct maritime connectivity between Northern Sri Lanka and Southern India would transform KKS from a peripheral alternative port into a functioning commercial gateway.
An Integrated Northern Connectivity Framework
The proposal outlines a multi-modal, integrated connectivity framework combining:
• Colombo–Jaffna domestic air services
• Regional international services from Jaffna
• Container operations at KKS Port
Such integration would create a Northern economic corridor linking aviation, maritime trade, tourism, commerce, and diaspora engagement. It would strengthen national economic resilience while ensuring inclusive and equitable regional development.
A Welcome Dialogue and the Way Forward
The Minister’s announcement that he will return to Jaffna on 24 February for further consultations is welcomed. Such engagement is essential to align national infrastructure planning with regional development priorities.
Sustainable development in the Northern Province requires clear policy direction, inter-port coordination, and structured public–private partnership frameworks. The Jaffna Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its readiness to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Ports and Aviation and relevant authorities to move these strategic initiatives from proposal stage to practical implementation.
Connectivity is the foundation of economic transformation. Through coordinated aviation and maritime reforms, the Northern Province can transition from post-conflict recovery to structured, sustainable, and investment-driven growth.
