Rs. 100M for Jaffna Library Digital Upgrade

Jaffna – Tensions flared during the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting held on July 17 at the Jaffna District Secretariat auditorium, after concerns were raised over how a central government grant of Rs. 100 million for the Jaffna Public Library is being allocated.

The funds, intended to enhance digital services at the historic library, are to be distributed as follows, according to officials:

Rs. 45 million for renovation work (Including construction of Public Restroom)
Rs. 20 million for digital services
Rs. 35 million for Purchasing computers and equipment

However, the proposal to use a significant part of the renovation budget to construct a separate restroom facility sparked strong opposition.

Minister Chandrasekaran, who chairs the DCC, along with Members of Parliament Archuna Ramananathan and Ilankumaran, voiced firm objections. They argued that the original purpose of the grant—to advance digital infrastructure—was being compromised.

The MPs urged that the full allocation be used in line with its intended goal to improve digital access and modern facilities at the Jaffna Public Library. Following the heated discussion, it was agreed that the funds must be spent appropriately and strictly for the development of digital services.

Officials stated that due to the lack of proper public restroom facilities in Jaffna—and because the existing ones are poorly maintained by the Municipal Council—many members of the public have been using the restrooms at the Jaffna Public Library. Citing this, they said the decision was made to build a separate restroom facility at the library.

However, Members of Parliament strongly opposed this reasoning, saying it was unacceptable to divert a significant portion of funds meant for digital services. They emphasized that the Jaffna Municipal Council and other local authorities must take responsibility for properly maintaining existing public restrooms.

Furthermore, they stressed that funds allocated for a specific purpose should not be redirected for unrelated infrastructure and called on the Northern Province Tourism Ministry to take immediate steps to construct public restrooms in needed locations across the region