The primary objective of the government is to enhance the quality of local products in the Northern Province and transform self-employed entrepreneurs into direct exporters. At the same time, mechanisms are being developed to protect our unique brand name “Jaffna,” which has been adversely affected by counterfeit products in the international market, and to export our products overseas with a distinct identity, stated the Governor of the Northern Province, Hon. N. Vethanayahan.
The Governor made these remarks today – on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, while ceremonially inaugurating the exhibition of women self-employed entrepreneurs, the National Unity Day event, and the certificate-awarding ceremony for entrepreneurs, organized by the Department of Industries – Northern Province.
Addressing the event, the Hon. Governor said that promoting exports is currently the government’s key policy in reviving the national economy. Accordingly, a program is underway to establish 1,000 cooperative producer societies across the country. In the North as well, steps have been taken to increase production capacity by bringing producers together and forming such societies.
Furthermore, he pointed out that through the newly established Northern Province Exporters’ Association, doors have been opened for local producers to export their goods either through members of the diaspora living abroad or directly on their own.
It has been observed that low-quality products from other countries are being sold in the global market under the name “Jaffna.” This harms our reputation. Therefore, only by creating a unique brand name for our products and using it ourselves can we protect the distinctiveness and market of our products, the Governor emphasized.
Quality is of utmost importance in accessing international markets. To facilitate this, steps have been taken for the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) and the University of Vavuniya to work together. Through this collaboration, the Governor expressed confidence that it will become easier for Northern producers to obtain quality certification.
The Provincial Council expects small-scale entrepreneurs to progress to establishing medium and large-scale industries and to reach a level where they can provide employment to many people. The Governor assured that the Northern Provincial Administration is always ready to provide the necessary financial assistance and support for all these efforts.
At the opening ceremony of this exhibition, which will be held over two days today and tomorrow (23.12.2025 & 24.12.2025), the exhibition stalls were declared open and certificates were awarded to selected outstanding entrepreneurs. The Governor also commended the visible improvements in the quality and packaging of Northern local products achieved through continuous training in recent times.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs – Northern Province, and the Coordinator to the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee, among others.
