Chinese involvement in Jaffna peninsula gains momentum

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 10 March 2010, 08:16 GMT]
While India is said to be seriously considering opening a branch of its High Commission for Sri Lanka in Jaffna, Chinese contractors are actively engaged in planning the broadening of five major roads in the peninsula in keeping with the agreement entered with Sri Lanka President, Mahintha Rajapakse, sources in Jaffna said. A conference presided by Jaffna Government Agent was held Tuesday at Jaffna Secretariat to discuss matters related to road development projects in Jaffna peninsula with Chinese funds. Top officials from the Northern Province Street Development Commission Board (NPSDCB) explained the proposed projects to the participants in the conference. Divisional Secretaries, representatives of Traders’ Union and other civil organizations were invited to the above conference, the sources added.

The Chinese contractors are to broaden and covert the following roads in Jaffna peninsula into two-way roads:

1. Jaffna-Kaangkeasanthu’rai (KKS) road.

2. Jaffna-Palaali road.

3. Jaffna-Maanippay road.

4. Jaffna-Paruththiththu’rai (Point Pedro) road.

5. Jaffna-Oorkaavattu’rai(Kayts) road.

Chinese contractors are already engaged in several development projects in the peninsula including the supply of electricity, water and development of roads.

A Chinese firm supplies electricity from its generators located in Chu’n’naakam Sri Lanka Electricity Board premises.

Historically famous temples, located particularly along Jaffna-Kaangeasanthu’rai road, are feared to be demolished in broadening the road and the NPSDCB officials present at the conference said that suitable alternative measures will be taken to keep the temples intact, the sources said.