UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Marc-André Franche Visits SAHO Creations

On 25th March 2026, SAHO Creations had the privilege of welcoming Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, along with his team, to our office in Jaffna.
As part of this special visit, SAHO Creations—being the digital partner of Ellalan Jaffna Tourism—hosted Mr. Franche at one of our featured tourism destinations. This experience provided an opportunity to showcase the unique cultural and tourism potential of Northern Sri Lanka, followed by an insightful interview and discussion on key development themes.

Exploring the Potential of Northern Sri Lanka

The discussion focused on the development potential of the Northern Province, with particular attention to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

Mr. Franche highlighted that Jaffna continues to stand out as a region of resilience, talent, and untapped opportunity. However, he also pointed out a critical challenge—while young people in the North possess strong skills and creativity, many still face barriers in accessing markets, funding, and global networks.

Strengthening Youth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

A key area of focus was the need to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems in the region. The discussion emphasized practical steps such as improving access to digital tools, building stronger networks, and creating pathways that connect rural entrepreneurs with international opportunities.

Digital platforms were recognized as powerful enablers for both business growth and learning. At the same time, concerns around misinformation and hate speech were raised, highlighting the importance of responsible and positive digital engagement among youth.

High-Growth Sectors for the North

The conversation also explored sectors with strong potential to drive economic growth in Northern Sri Lanka. Among them:

• Tourism – leveraging the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty
• Agriculture – enhancing traditional industries through innovation
• Digital Economy – expanding opportunities in media, technology, and online services

These sectors were identified as key drivers for sustainable and inclusive development in the region.

Collaboration for Inclusive Development

Another important theme was the role of collaboration. The discussion underscored the importance of partnerships between grassroots organizations, government institutions, and international agencies to attract investment and create long-term impact in areas such as Kilinochchi and beyond.

A Message to the Youth

In his closing remarks, Mr. Franche encouraged young people to take an active role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka. He emphasized the importance of youth participation in areas such as:

• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Community development
• Social cohesion and peacebuilding

His message was clear: youth voices matter, and their involvement is essential in building a more inclusive and forward-looking nation.

Moving Forward

The visit of Mr. Marc-André Franche marks an important milestone for SAHO Creations in strengthening engagement with global institutions and development partners.

As an organization committed to storytelling, innovation, and social impact, SAHO Creations will continue to play a role in connecting local communities with global opportunities, while amplifying the voices and potential of the Northern Province.