19 March, 2024

Blog

The Jaffna International Airport – Fulfilling Sri Lankan Aspirations

By N. Lohathayalan

The Palaly airport was begun on 359 acres of land by British armed forces. The first flight to India was on 10 Dec. 1947. Now, as of 17 Oct. 2019, it will function as the Jaffna International airport.

The ceremonial opening of the airport on 17 Oct. brings joy to not only the people of Jaffna but for all those to whom Sri Lanka is home. The benefits to all Sri Lankans are immense – see S.R.H. Hoole, “Our permanent umbilical connectivity to India...,” Colombo Telegraph, 15 Aug. 2019.

The request to upgrade the old Palaly Aerodrome was first forwarded by TNA MP, Mavai Senathirajah, in 2014 to the then Indian Consul in Jaffna. Promising to take serious note of the request, the Consul carried it to the Indian government where upon reaching the Indian Prime Minister, it received the status of an agreement between the governments of Sri Lanka and India in 2015. Yet, to implement the agreement even after budget estimates were made, all administrative arrangements were done in secrecy. With two governments involved, the veil of secrecy could not last long. By the end of 2015 when the plans became well-known, the Maithripala Sirisena – Ranil Wickremesinghe government officially gave its green light. When the matter reached the hands of the Colombo administrators, however, the administrators applied all brakes.

Perhaps these administrators mistakenly thought that as a result of the airport, the economy of the North may flower at the expense of the southern economy. Economists, however, think this is lopsided communal thinking and that the whole of Sri Lanka will benefit as trade with India surely will increase with tourism and cultural tie-ups.

At the same time, the then Chief Minister of the North, C.V. Wigneswaran, did not like the scheme. He firmly communicated his anti-development view to Indian officialdom. The Chief Minister was estranged from the TNA by then. It was a case of not wanting the TNA to get too much credit for the development that would come. As a result, India seemed reluctant to carry forward the development of the airport when the Northern Provincial Council (in the form of its head) was so opposed to it. India set out to ask if the TNA shared the Chief Minister’s views and concluded that they did not.

This was the time that the TNA was putting severe pressure not only on India but also on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over the airport. Mavai Senathrajah and M.A. Sumanthiran were the foremost pressure bearers. For these reasons India consented to the development of Palaly as part of its aid-plan to Sri Lanka. India then proceeded with its plans. The Indian Consuls in Jaffna – all three who served in succession – took a keen interest in the airport’s development, personally inspecting the airport sometimes. 

A Memorable Photo from Sept. 1966: E.M.V. Naganathan, M. Tiruchelvan, V.N. Navaratnam and A. Gnanasambandan awaiting their flight at Palaly

Following this, to start flights from India in her development effort, on 14 March 2016 Deepak Sastri, Director of Chennai Airport, arrived with a team at Palaly and began technical and feasibility studies. As this was ongoing, Chef Minister Wigneswaran dropped a scare-mongering bombshell – he suggested that in the name of developing the airport all the lands in the locality belonging to Tamils would be taken over by the armed forces. Regardless, the Deepak Sastri team issued a report that stated that India’s work can be done within the little area around the airport.

Determined to contribute to Palaly’s development, the Indian government produced not only development plan drawings but also a three-dimensional figure of the airport. These plans alone cost Indian Rupees 15,000,000. When permission was sought from the Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority, further pressures appeared. The objection was now raised that if Palaly Airport was developed and direct flights are begun from Jaffna, income from Katunayake Airport would fall. The permission sought was denied.  It was claimed that these Indian efforts would lead to a fall in Sri Lanka’s income. The project seemed to have run aground.

As 2017 drew to a close, and the year 2018 advanced, prospects for the airport project seemed dim. As a result the onus of satisfying officials of the Civil Aviation Authority devolved on the Prime Minister’s and his government’s shoulders.

The minority government to continue in office badly needed the TNA’s parliamentary support. However, the TNA was firm that we must have the Airport developed into international status. As a result the Prime Minister gave the commitment that at the same time Palaly becomes an international airport, Ratmalana Airport too would be upgraded to an international airport. With this offer the Prime Minister requested the Civil Aviation Authority to allow Palaly to be developed. It seemed that by raising communal objections in Sri Lanka, the elected Prime Minister could be check-mated by a determined civil service.

Although the civil Aviation Authority officials agreed, they made the additional demand that the development must not be by using loans from India; for they saw loss of Sri Lankan control if that happened. So they said that development must be at India’s cost and development at the first stage must be in making the airport a Regional airport. The Prime Minister wanted the TNA badly. He is also a pro-development man. So he agreed and gave the greenlight to seek Indian aid for the next stage, making the airport an international one.

It was in this period that civil society\y groups came in droves to the Indian consulate in Jaffna. They noted that the Indians were focusing development on Jaffna whereas the East too had suffered during the war. It is like an ophthalmologist treating only one eye of a patient, observed a Batticaloa man. As a result, Indians began speaking of developing the Batticaloa airport as well.

It is as a result of all this that Ratmalana, Jaffna, and Batticaloa Airports were all upgraded to the status of international airports. As a result Jaffna gets to be Sri Lanka’s fifth international airport, the remaining two being Katunayake and Mattala.

In truth, it was during the second world War that the British forces established Palaly Airport to land small aircraft. Following that on 10 Dec. 1947 the first air services to India were begun

The 1950s and 1960s saw extensive cultural exchanges between India and Ceylon. Many went to India for their university education and returned as teachers in Jaffna schools. One English teacher, still living in the Jaffna town area, says that he would bicycle close to the airport, get a friend living there to carry him on his push-bike pillion the rest of the way to the airport, and take the bike to his own home. This teacher would take the flight from Palaly and return a week or two later, pick up his bike and go home. This is how he finished his studies – at the lowest possible cost he insists.

Travel to Colombo by Jaffna’s elite was also by the DC-10 flights from Palaly as seen in the photograph where Federal Party stalwarts are awaiting their fight to Colombo. Top government servants eligible for three sets of first-class railway warrants would get 3 of the 6 eligible journeys written out for KKS to Galle and back (the longest journeys by train and therefore the costliest) and then exchange these with Air Ceylon for tickets from Palaly to Colombo.

During the civil war the airport was taken over by the Sri Lankan Army. As a result, in 1985 without the consent of the locals a further 646 acres of land were acquired by the army. The airport and army camps were expanded in this period.

It was also in this period that the 1987 Indo-Lanka accord was signed and on the very day immediately following its signing of the Accord, Indian forces arrived on Indian aircraft without any entry visa. After this, when war broke out between the LTTE and Indian forces, thousands of mainly depressed-caste youths who had worked with India on almost compulsory conscription, such as from the EPRLF and ENDLF, escaped to Colombo in 1989 using the same airport. At the time the regular two-way journey cost Rs. 3000. But these youths were charged Rs. 5000 by the Sri Lankan air Force for their journey. At the time (about 1990) a sovereign of gold was priced at Rs. 4,500.

In this state of affairs, on 10 June, 1990, the Second Eelam War began. On 15 June 1990, the entire population of the area evacuated Jaffna under compulsion. 

After this, the Air Force ran a regular service to Colombo and in the year 2013 internal flights were increased in number.

It was in this backdrop that on 17 Oct. 2019, Jaffna will have its international airport at a cost of Rs. 2.26 Billion. The President had agreed to open the airport with the Prime Minister. As he has given up his political offices, his opening the airport together with the PM removed objections to the function during election time. But after invitations were printed, he has been evasive. With everything going wrong for him, he is like a spoilt brat said an annoyed event organizer at the Kachcheri. 

Another spoil sport, the air force commander no less, has denied permission every time someone asked for something. Most egregiously on 16 Sept. after a heavy morning’s work, Indian officials asked for tea. Responded the Commander, “You are doing this for Tamils but want me to serve you tea?” The Indians had to send a jeep to KKS and get refreshments.

Others have hinted, “Go ahead for now. After November 16 we will shut this airport down.” This is why all those who want the airport are pressing ahead to open the airport before the elections. Through our ballot, good Sri Lankans must ensure that the airport will not be shut down.

In the meantime, in case the President does not come, the PM has been cleared by the Election Commission to open the airport provided there are no political speeches, and other politicians are also invited.

However it goes, today, the 17th is a joyous day for all Sri Lankans. Thanks to the Prime Minister’s partnership with the TNA, and to Indian generosity and persistence in helping Tamils and the government to reach an accommodation to ensure a peaceful and inclusive Sri Lanka where development is for everyone. 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 5
    13

    How many white elephant international airports does a small island like Sri lanka need?: Is this third airport part of the plan to turn the island into an unsinkable aircraft carrier for the Superpower Rouge State in the Indian Ocean?

    |Land grabs for Airports and airplanes also cause environmental damage and climate activists are urging less flying and airline travel to reduce carbon, but in Sri Lanka the US puppet Bond Ranil is merrily building airports for his foreign backers!

    The military and war machine which needs airports and sea ports is a huge environment pollutor and there should be NO MORE airport built in this small island which has good rad connectivity.

    • 14
      1

      Many writers on this forum don’t seem to know that Palaly was on the Air Ceylon route to India till the late seventies. It already was an “international airport”. It is definitely not a white elephant like Mattala. It certainly will compete with the BIA from where SriLankan charges black market rates to India. For example, 42000 for a 45 minutes flight to Trivandrum. Air Arabia will take you to Dubai (5 hrs) and back to India for the same price! There was much opposition to the Indian free ambulance service, but I wonder where all those experts are now?

      • 5
        3

        Old codger

        “It already was an “international airport”

        I am sorry I will have to disagree with you.
        As far as Hindians are concerned Palaly Airport was and still is one their domestic airports of Sinhala/State of Hindia.

        “but I wonder where all those experts are now?”

        You mean those very smart ass patriots, some of them are still alive, … somass, KASmaalam, Helass, Windbag Wimal, ……………………….. are suffering from partial dementia.

        • 3
          2

          Native,
          Maybe the experts are busy looking for kallathoni Indian mosquitoes .

          • 1
            0

            Old codger

            We already have seen a lot of envious resentment all over the country. For example, sinhalese buddhist, Lester the bigoted Jester, ravi perera the Sinhala Speaking Demela, ramona grandma therese fernando, Niro, Latha from Latta Land, ……………………… now have to seek treatment for their burning bums.

          • 0
            0

            You may recall that the first kallathonis were Vijaya and his sister.

        • 0
          1

          NV,…..may I be the first to congratulate you on your sagacious discernment~!

          • 1
            0

            Ramona dear,
            Sorry to upset such an innocent soul as you, but
            I strongly suspect that NV is rolling on the floor laughing at your sagacity.

            • 0
              0

              He’s crying his eyes out, OC.

      • 6
        0

        Old codger,
        I think Native Vedda is some what correct. But I also like to share something with you. After the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord was signed, the idea of converting Palaly Airport into an International Airport was suggested by Ayathuray Rajasingam to Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissanayake in order to neutralize the movements of Tamil Militant/Terrorist Organizations in 1990. He has given an interview on the necessity of converting Palaly Airport into an International Airport as well as the development of Kankesanturai harbour on some newspapers. Both Lalith Athulathmudali & Gamaini Dissanayake wanted to give priority for the development of Palaly Airport & KKS harbour once their DUNF Party comes to power which was highlighted in their publication, EAGLE. In fact, Ayathuray Rajasingam was a member of the DUNF. Unfortunately both were assassinated. If one reads the English newspapers like Ceylon Express, Eagle, Weekend Express and even in the Colombo Telegraph dated February 3, 2017 ( in a way Colombo Telegraph should also take the credit), it will be clear. He was even close to Ronnie de Mel, Commissioner of Elections Chandrananda Silva and G.Panchalingam (later became a Government Agent for Jaffna) supported this idea for a united Sri Lanka. He continued to write on the need of an International Airport in Jaffna in number of papers, which would have averted the loss of lives and instead brought mutual understanding between the Sinhalese and the Tamils with foreign investments in Jaffna. But the Tamil leaders & Tamil Militant/Terrorist Organizations were emotional and began unwanted slogans as losing Tamil land. At that time I can recollect even Japan offered to assist in the construction of Jaffna International Airport by reclaiming land for runway from Myliddy seaside. After the defeat of the LTTE scenario in Sri Lanka began to change with India and China competing for bases in Sri Lanka. At least this is a happy news for Tamils.

      • 0
        0

        Dear Old codger,
        .
        And now see what a mess this had become:
        .
        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/a-botched-airport-opening-ceremony-sri-lanka-cries/
        .
        All this activity is aimed at influencing the results of the Presidential Elections, of course. Laptop computers had been distributed to students who had obtained 9 A Grades at the December 2018 O. Level Exam. The kids deserve them, of course. I spoke, by phone, to one recipient whose father is my cobbler. He had just received a second-hand mobile phone as a gift; he’d been refusing previous offers, thiniking of a phone as a distraction.
        .
        The kid had got an A for English – obviously! She couldn’t communicate in English, and acknwledged it. Shows up the faults of the education system, doesn’t it? She knew little of the number of USB Ports available – then I found that she didn’t know what a “pen drive” was.
        .
        Since it is the Elections alone that seem to matter, shall give you updates below Kumar David’s article, until deadline is reached.
        .
        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/presidential-election-the-truth-about-the-ulfs-stand/
        .
        That’s because many links are already there.

        That’s because

    • 7
      2

      Dude,

      The MRIA built by your master might be a white elephant, but do not think that all other airports in the island also have to be like that. Do you know, out of all passengers who arrive in BIA every year, how many are Tamils? And how many of those have Jaffna as their eventual destination or one of the destinations? If you do some number crunching you might be surprised. It will NOT reflect the ethnic ratio (that you are oh-so-proud of) at all. All those Tamils can now use JIA.

      Jaffna International Airport will NOT be a white elephant. Before you know it, it will have a dozen flights a week to India and every one of them will be full. And if it eventually gets connectivity to Singapore / Dubai etc, then it will even surpass BIA in terms of passenger influx. So if you are a tuk-tuk driver around Colombo relying on expatriate Tamils to give you hires, expect some hard times!

      White elephant my foot.

      • 2
        4

        Chingalams have draged Palali to much of chagrin of Hindia, and Hindia, under Modi, put the foot down on Chingalam.

        As a matter of fact, Jaffna, Trico, Batti and perhaps Ambaanthotai are the ideal place for Air transport. It is the Colonial, especially British bastards who for their own economy chose Colombo.

      • 2
        5

        All employees are Sinhalese.

        All income will still be going to Sinhalam.

      • 0
        0

        Hard Truth,

        So JIA will surpass Colombo. Good luck for this hope.

        “So if you are a tuk-tuk driver around Colombo relying on expatriate Tamils to give you hires, expect some hard times”

        You stingy bastards don’t even hire Tuk Tuks.

        Vedda, entertainment time

    • 1
      1

      Road connectivity is good in Sri Lanka so no need for so many international airports that are environmentally costly.
      Now, US puppet Bondscam Ranil is planning to open an international airport in Battiaclao to that US-ISIS- Saudi Jihadis can fly their suicide bombers in and out of Katankuddi quickly.
      Battiacloa International is to held the US-IS Caliphate can set up its Eastern Province Airport with connectivity to the Tincroomalle military base – sea port.
      There should have been just one international airport near the Cultural Triangle and closer to Trincomalee for Sri Lankans from Northern and Eastern Provinces and sparely populated central Lanka and Tourists to come to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka does not need so may airports on the COASTAL areas which is for the US aircraft carrier project..
      Building so many international airports is part of the debt trap, economic development policies of the Corrupt Jarappalanay govt to use fake foreign aid to promote the business and security interests of donors and the Washington Agenda in Lanka!

      • 0
        0

        are you kidding bro? road connectivity is good? Swiss to CMB flying time is 8 hours and from CMB to JAFFNA – 10 hours.

      • 0
        0

        Dinuk
        You are spot on.
        If plan A fails with Gota in power then the outsiders will split the country and use a portion that is separated to have a base in the Indian ocean.We fools are falling for it.

    • 1
      1

      Not all people live in Colombo to access Katunayeke airport easily. We found it very difficult to travel to home town once we touched down CMB. If you look at most part of the world, almost every 200kms, there will be a functional commercial regional airport. the only Srilanka has

  • 4
    7

    Sri Lanka is being slowly carved up like like Germany after the war and Korea in the 1950’s. This is being done with ruthless sophistication that it’s way beyond understanding of frog in the well Sri Lankans.

    • 2
      4

      if you are not prepared to share national wealth on equitable basis, someone else will make sure the sharing happens whilst taking their cut.

      If you have guts, why don’t you show your two fingers to Hindia by bringing in China.

      Let’s see.

      • 0
        3

        You thalays tried to show your guts to India and saw what happened. Investment In Gandhi’s ghost was the cleverest and the guttiest by you thalayas.

        We will share the land of Jaffna Peninsular with India and make Hindi the official language of Jaffna and have the rest of the north for us.

        • 1
          0

          ravi perera
          Sinhala speaking DEmela

          ” Investment In Gandhi’s ghost was the cleverest and the guttiest by you thalayas.”

          So did many, Indo Sri lanka accord and Provincial Councils (13 Amendment) are still in force. Try and reverse it and see how Gandhi’s ghost reacts.

          Please stop being a stupid smart ass for every stupid word you utter we are losing hundreds of thousands of acres of land to Chinese, Hindians, Americans, Arabs, …. North, South, East West, …..

          “We will share the land of Jaffna Peninsular with India and make Hindi the official language of Jaffna and have the rest of the north for us.”

          Stupid man who told you Hindians are going to share any land with you.

          As far as the Hindians are concerned North, East and Parts of North West form part of Tamil Nadu and rest is Sinhala State of Hindia.

          Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai might consider building his regional office in Jaffna. Be nice to Sambandan who could persuade him to offer you a job. You may have to learn one of the following languages, SQL, Java, ….. or AI. Hindi, Sinhala, English, …. are increasingly becoming redundant

          Until you pull your head from wherever ( probably Wimal or HLD M are standing next to you) it is now you will have no chance of learning, growing, developing and making use of new skills and opportunities. I see how fast you are taking the country to hit the bottom.

          You noisy Sinhala/Buddhist minority fascists are causing immense damage to the people, country and future generation are being marooned in this island.

    • 6
      1

      Land and power sharing in Sri Lanka will not be between Sinhalese and Tamils, but between China and India, if not directly but certainly through proxies. Who knows whether Indian PM and Chinese President who met recently in Mahabalipuram have come to an agreement about it. Did you hear that Turkey is implementing the 1998 agreement with Syria about safeguarding their security concerns and it will not be surprising if India will do the same to implement the 1987 agreement with Sri Lanka about safeguarding their security concerns.

    • 0
      0

      Trying to breakup the island.

  • 7
    0

    Excellent offer and development.
    It is better than Mattala

  • 3
    0

    Sweet. Can’t wait to visit historical places in Tamil Nadu first time even though I grew up a stone’s throw away from ancient Tamil Kingdom!

    • 2
      1

      Home coming,

      Yes, Tamil Nadu is your ancient tamil kingdom. Pls take a one way ticket and pls become another of those thalayas who have left Sri Lanka for good

  • 1
    0

    Mr LOHA,,
    You forgot to write about the RACISM of Vimal vansa about this airport sign board . watch below

    https://en-gb.facebook.com/real.rr/videos/783035122136717/

  • 2
    1

    I heard Ranil said that the Airport will recover its cost in one year. I think, if that was a close statement, JFA would be first world airport to achieve that kind of breakeven. Remember, China asked for 200 years lease for the Hangbangtota seaport, it built, to earn some money and return the port. India asked 50 years for Mattale. Lankawe offered only 35 years and India didn’t take it. Sinhala Buddhist Modayas was having an Airline to bring puppies, not passengers. Then to cover the fuel cost, send the women to serve the New Colonial Masters, instead of developing this airport and send the planes to Arabia.

    In Lankawe for far only two projects are profitable:1). India built Colombo-KKS railroad and 2).JAF airport.

    • 3
      0

      “I heard Ranil said that the Airport will recover its cost in one year”

      Why are you doubting Mr Clean. Let me refresh your memory with past Asinine predictions and achievements by any number of politicians in Sri Lanka without naming them.

      World largest Petroleum exploration since 1960’s
      World’s number one tourist destination
      World’s number one medical tourism hub
      World’s number one financial hub.
      World’s number one port in Humbunthota ie. Humbug
      Mona Rail system to Colombo C.B.D.
      Automotive assembly plants from just about every automotive company in the world.
      Space technology and Satellite Hub with Rajapaksa ගගනගාමී.
      Staging of Commonwealth Games ( Mr N. Carbarala got all expenses paid trip out of this one with Namal and his free loading buddies) Olympics , Soccer World Cup, Formula one Racing and other numerous world prestigious events.
      Supper fast rail to Katana gambling hub to beat Vagus and Macau from Katunayaka.
      sorry I have to stop now before I get permanent R.S.I.

      So why not Jaffna as the in and out Mega gateway to rest of the world .

    • 1
      5

      Ado Mallaiyuran,

      You buggers have been hammered and completely defeated. Accept defeat and fuck off

      • 2
        0

        Machang tell Vijithamuni to behave this time when India brings Rice & Paripu to Palali. Leader Piraba is not there.
        Anyway what does China brings to Hangbangtota? White Rice and Kattai Sambol?

        How many times Ponny has asked to come for a debate? When is Old Brother Prince going to debate with Ponny, one on one, about who defeated LTTE?

      • 1
        1

        Ravi Perera I guess Civility is not been thought when your parents were growing up and subsequent years’ of child rearing.
        If its the case they must be so proud that you turned out be so articulate expressing your opinion as they did when conversing with each other at home when you growing up that you seems to have soaked up like a huge sponge.

      • 0
        0

        Conflict was between two militaries and NOT between the peoples. Battles are always won and lost but enduring love will last forever. Victories and defeats are by Buddhist philosophy are all impermanence. If that is understood, then the language will be beautiful.

  • 2
    0

    The G O S L should have built this airport with our money. Unfortunately, our own money has been distilled into the pockets of politicos and their hangers-on. So we end up have having foreigners building everything. We have become a nation of spongers. What a sad state of affairs!

  • 2
    0

    Don’t dream too much, Palali is an election bribe.

  • 0
    5

    This airport is a foolish idea. What kind of economy does Jaffna have that merits regular flights back and forth to India? Not to mention, from Colombo to Delhi is only 3h 25m duration, the airports in the South are better equipped to handle air traffic.

    • 0
      0

      Jaffna will have an economic boom, when paranoid racist Sinhalese stop trying to put spokes in the wheel.You know Tamils are smarter, Lester.

    • 1
      0

      Lester

      “What kind of economy does Jaffna have that merits regular flights back and forth to India?”

      Why do you think Indian men are arriving alone, landing in Katunayake and staying in southern Coastal hotels? You have a very good business opportunity in Jaffna only if you replicate Southern hospitality services in the northern peninsula. You may have to ask some of your female/male relatives to provide the tourist with their usual Kandyan Hospitality.

      “Not to mention, from Colombo to Delhi is only 3h 25m duration, the airports in the South are better equipped to handle air traffic.”

      Let the Hindians do the worrying in the meantime sit in a bucket of water until the fire is put out.

    • 0
      0

      They can export toddy.

  • 1
    0

    This is a good news to Northern ladies. They will take a hop step and jump to Chennai streets with money sent by their foreign relatives and buy jewells and sarees for their family members’ wedding, age attaining ceremony, theepavali and Thai pongal. They will bring garlands and all other flower decorations too for the weddings and parties. To compete with the neighbours to show off their wealth, special caterers from Chennai might come to cook as well. Some might select well known temples there to have their wedding or invite priests from Chennai to conduct the ceremonies here. Any pooja on special days will be held in the famous temples there by our ladies with pride and pompous. Youths too will use this opportunity for their enjoyment. They will be there for first day first show at Sathyam theatre to watch their favourite hero and heroine and return in the evening flight. Friends wait and see who gains and who looses. Local shops theatres wedding halls temples will loose their income and popularity very soon. Loss of jobs, disputes unrest in families and society will eventually increase. How are we going to face these problems?

    • 1
      2

      My wife and I will be flying soon with our one year old baby to have her ear piercing ceremony in Chennai. The money we are going to spend was sent by my wife’s brother who is in France, working in a restaurant washing dishes. But my wife tells to neighbours that he works in an office closer to Eiffel Tower. Do you have similar stories?

      • 1
        0

        MR

        “The money we are going to spend was sent by my wife’s brother who is in France, working in a restaurant washing dishes.”

        How long has he been washing dishes?
        Even a dumb dishwasher could have learned to cook in five years and would have become an assistant chef. Are you sure your wife is okay with her inherited gene?

        • 1
          1

          NV

          He hasn’t learn French, so how could he climb up. There are hundreads of Tamil asylum seekers in this situation, I was told.

          Sometime back when I insisted him to learn French, he laughed and said ” aththan if I were good in studies I would not have come here, instead remained there and completed a degree. May be I might have become a professor by now. Don’t you know that my sister and I haven’t studied beyond eighth standard. You married her trusting the marriage broker who lied to you and it is your fate aththan; enjoy your life ! ” and disconnected the phone. Now you know why I don’t go into the subject of ” inherited gene ” .

    • 0
      1

      Peace lover

      “How are we going to face these problems”

      Blaming more & more to Sinhalese Buddhists & finding more ways to destroy their country.

      • 1
        0

        latha

        “Blaming more & more to Sinhalese Buddhists & finding more ways to destroy their country.”

        Oh please!
        Their land is in Thamil Nadu or further up in Latta Land, North East Asia (India/Bangladesh), which is being clearly marked in World Map.

  • 1
    0

    Lohathayalan

    You are a clever fellow. Always praise TNA Sampanthan and Mavai Senathirajah and condemn their enemy CV Wigneswaran. No doubt you will be offered a seat to contest at the next general election, by TNA. Well done brother !!

  • 2
    0

    Having visited the Jaffna peninsula nearly two years ago, I got the feeling that it can easily be transformed into another Singapore. I am not saying this to please the type of readers cum commentators of CT but my impartial assessment . The positive virtue I saw was the discipline and industry in the people of the locality. It appears that a few are titillated by the opening of the International Airport. It is good, and there is no second word, but is that all that is required for connectivity between the two neighbors to synergize their efforts. What about a rail link? What about a ferry service (Not the ramshackle type but a really a good one)? Most important of all I see is the need for clean water and I recall several articles in the CT itself on this subject. It is said that some top Northern politicians objected to the Airport opened recently. So it is with all plans to provide more water for Jaffna. I believe that there should be an overall development plan for the peninsula, particularly to develop the infrastructure. Leave this political bickering aside we need to serve and provide the people so that there are smiles on their faces.

    • 1
      1

      Thank you Good Sense:-
      Let the Jaffna Peninsula be ‘transformed into another Singapore’ !
      But Please Leave the Rest of Sri Lanka to Remain Beautiful and Civilised!

  • 2
    1

    Hooray for the first international airport of Tamixh Ealam, and a permanent military base for India to fight Sri Lanka from.

    This is what the TNA wanted right?

  • 2
    0

    N Lohathayalan claims that the change in name “Palaly Airport” to “The Jaffna International Airport” fulfills “Sri Lankan Aspirations”.
    Really…….really! Does the Island’s business mafia?
    The plush green “The Jaffna International Airport” will be scorched literally when the fuel for the well-water pump runs out!
    .
    In the same breadth Lohathayalan adds {“…The request to upgrade the old Palaly Aerodrome was first forwarded by TNA MP, Mavai Senathirajah, in 2014 to the then Indian Consul in Jaffna…..”
    Says it all. Mavai will not go to the GoSL of the time.
    SLPP openly says “Reconciliation with the Second-Class Citizens is NOT on”

    • 1
      0

      K Pillai:-
      When “the well-water pump runs out” JIA will Import Water from TN, like Singapore imports their Water from Malaysia!

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.