Sri Lanka, Jan. 29 -- By Jekhan Aruliah

When the topic of the Northern economy comes up, Jaffna is often criticized for living on remittances. Small transfers, perhaps a hundred US dollars a month, sent by hard working people overseas to their families in Jaffna and the Northern Province. These gifts are said to be ruining Jaffna youth and the Northern economy. Because, it is said, they spend this unearned money on motorbikes and petrol and other frivolous consumables. Instead of working for a living. An exaggeration, but not without some truth in Jaffna. And some truth nationally too.

It should be noted living on remittances is actually a National habit, not just Jaffna. Worker Remittances have for years been Sri Lanka's largest foreig...