By Raj Sivanathan –

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s announcement of an allocation to establish a domestic air terminal at Katunayake International Airport is welcome news for the people and business community of the Northern Province. For years, business leaders, civil society organisations and individuals have highlighted the need for reliable domestic air connectivity between Katunayake and Palaly, particularly for international passengers who need to continue their journeys to Jaffna.

For many travellers, the journey from Colombo to Jaffna can take longer than the flight from overseas to Colombo. A domestic terminal at Katunayake could make the connection to Palaly more practical, reduce travel time and improve access to the North for investors, visitors and members of the diaspora. It could also support tourism, trade and business links between the Northern Province and international markets.

The announcement is an important step. Its value, however, will depend on timely implementation. Northern development has too often been held back by delays between announcements, approvals and actual construction. The proposed terminal should move forward with a clear schedule, coordination among the relevant agencies and regular public updates.

Connectivity must be seen as part of a wider development plan. Air services alone cannot transform the regional economy. The North also needs functioning ports, reliable transport, export facilities, energy, water and digital infrastructure. These systems work together: they help businesses move goods, reach customers, attract investment and create jobs.

Recent statements by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage that environmental hurdles relating to the proposed international cricket ground have been resolved, and that the contractor has been asked to begin work soon, are also encouraging. As with every major project, the public will look for transparent implementation, proper environmental safeguards and progress on the ground.

The development of Kankesanthurai (KKS) Harbour is another key opportunity. Improved port facilities, alongside even modest-scale cargo operations, could help Northern producers move goods more efficiently. If air and sea connectivity, warehousing, cold-chain facilities and export services develop together, businesses will be better placed to reach markets in India and beyond.

This is why the Northern Exporters Forum (NEF), scheduled for 20 and 21 January 2027 in Jaffna, is timely. The forum can provide a practical meeting point for Northern exporters, entrepreneurs, buyers, investors, government agencies and development partners. Its purpose should be to connect local businesses with market information, export requirements, trade finance, logistics, cold-chain solutions and business-to-business opportunities.

The North has a diverse base of products and services with export potential. Agriculture and processed food, palmyrah products, fisheries and marine industries, information technology, wellness, light manufacturing, healthcare, tourism and cultural services can all contribute to a broader regional economy. But potential alone does not generate income. Businesses need to meet quality standards, understand market demand, secure reliable transport and establish lasting relationships with buyers.

NEF can help address these needs by bringing the relevant people into the same room and turning discussions into practical follow-up. Northern businesses need access to international buyers and investors, while buyers need clear information about the region’s products, capacity, standards and supply chains. The forum can help build that connection and encourage firms to become more export-ready.

The forum should also be viewed as part of the government’s wider responsibility to build the infrastructure that makes growth possible. The domestic air terminal, KKS Harbour, cargo operations and the cricket ground each serve different purposes, but together they can contribute to a broader ecosystem of connectivity, investment, tourism and employment. Their success will depend on proper planning, timely delivery and cooperation between national and provincial institutions, the private sector and local communities.

Infrastructure investment must also benefit the people who live and work in the region. Small and medium-sized businesses, farmers, fishers, young people and local service providers should be able to participate in the opportunities created. Public investment should be planned with attention to environmental impacts, land use, workforce skills and the needs of surrounding communities.

The Northern Exporters Forum can be a strong starting point for connecting the North to the world. It can help local businesses understand what markets require and help potential partners see what the region can offer. But a forum must lead to continued engagement, practical partnerships and measurable outcomes beyond its two days.

The challenge now is to turn announcements into action and opportunities into sustained economic activity. If connectivity projects proceed without unnecessary delay, and NEF builds meaningful links between exporters, buyers and investors, the Northern Province can strengthen its export capacity and expand its contribution to the national economy.