This article is based on the importance of increasing access to services in the northern province of Sri Lanka that was ravaged by decades of war, which finally ended nearly five years ago. As much as the infrastructure developments have brought about increased mobility, it must be noted that the rural areas on either side of the highway need urgent attention as well. Water and sanitation facilities are faced with the same situation where access is problematic. Serious health complications are the result of poor toilet facilities and the use of common or outdoor toilets. The northern region has been helped by donations coming in from the Tamil Diaspora who provide for distribution of drinking water, which the local government authorities are unable to meet due to the high demand for water. The article also talks about the diminishing INGO presence in the region due to governmental pressure and other factors; it is up to the private sector to help in increasing the living standards of the people of the region. The article is a contribution by the Centre for Poverty Analysis.