SL's Northern & Eastern Provinces: Strategic Gateway & Economic Potential 📈

• The Northern and Eastern Provinces combined contributed 9.2% of national GDP in 2023, marking a slight decline from 9.9% in 2019, reflecting a slower growth pace compared to other regions, especially the Western Province (which holds 44%). • Provincial GDP Share (2023): Northern Province rebounded to 4.5% (from 4.0% in 2022), while Eastern Province saw a gradual fall to 4.7% (from 5.2% in 2019). • Geostrategic Importance: The Northern Province is deemed the "Northern Gateway" due to its commanding position near South India (~30 km) and its location on vital Indian Ocean Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs). • Economic Mainstays: • Fisheries: The regions are among the richest marine zones, contributing high-value exports (tuna, prawns, cuttlefish). • Agriculture: A core economic activity, contributing 8-10% of national agricultural output (key crops: paddy, onions, chillies). • Future Connectivity: Development of Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port, Palaly International Airport, and planned ferry links to India are crucial to transform the region into a logistics and transshipment node, attracting investment in renewable energy and tourism.