North gears for mega industrial growth

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

A large number of micro level industries has been developed in the North and most of them cater to the local markets, Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Jaffna Chairman K. Pooranachandran said.

Sea food items are despatched under refrigeration and sent to Colombo for processing and later for sale on the Colombo markets. Vegetables and onions are transported to Dambula market on a regular basis.

“The infrastructure is still not conducive for small and medium level industrial development and the Chamber hopes the situation will be favourable for development by mid next year”, the Chamber chief said.

The A 9 road and highway and all internal roads in Jaffna town were being carpeted.

The Telecommunication network is very satisfactory and people have a choice from among telephone companies and Telecom, Pooranachandran said.

At present people are faced with hardship and industrial growth has been hindered due to frequent power failure in the area.

Power generation is not adequate to meet with the demand and as a result there are regular power cuts, which sometimes lasts for two days. The CEB is making alternative arrangements to rectify the problem.

Pooranachandran said people in the North are getting ready for a quiet Christmas.

The Chamber is preparing for the forthcoming international trade fair scheduled to be held from January 20 to 22.