Our collective goal is to position Jaffna not merely as a participant in Sri Lanka’s economy, but as a driving force for innovation and trade. This exhibition itself serves as the best evidence of that, stated Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan.
The ‘Jaffna International Trade Fair – 2026’, the grand trade festival of the Northern Province, is being organized in a very grand manner for the 16th year. The inauguration ceremony of this event took place this morning – on Friday 23 January 2026, at the Tilko Hotel in Jaffna.
The Governor made the above statement while addressing the event as the chief guest. Continuing his speech, he said:
Trade fairs are not just merely exhibition of goods. They are engines of economic growth. By opening doors to new partnerships, they stimulate investments. They empower small and medium enterprises by providing recognition and confidence.
Whether it is agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts, or technology, this exhibition strengthens regional development by ensuring that Jaffna’s unique products reach global audiences.
In our journey toward the future, we must embrace ‘digital transformation’ to enable our industries to compete in the world market. At the same time, we must invest in sustainable practices that protect the environment.
We must encourage our youth and women entrepreneurs who will shape the next phase of prosperity in Jaffna. I believe that the proposed ‘Network of Northern Chambers of Commerce’ will play a very important role in our economic development in the future.
A favorable environment for investment now exists in the Northern Province. The current government has already begun work to establish three new investment zones in the Northern Province. Many resources of the North remain untapped. I call upon all investors to seize this opportunity, provide employment to the youth of our province, and increase the North’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s gross national product.
Following the inauguration ceremony of this exhibition, jointly organized by the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services, the guests were escorted with traditional music to the Jaffna Muttraveli Grounds. There, the exhibition halls were officially opened by cutting the ribbon. Subsequently, the Governor and guests toured the trade stalls. A highlight is that more than 400 trade stalls have been set up.
Among those present at the event were Parliamentarian Hon. K. Ilankumaran, Indian Consul to Jaffna Sri Sai Murali, Jaffna District Secretary M. Pratheepan, Managing Director of Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Arjun Dharmadasa and Director A.F.M. Farook, President of the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kulasingam Vaseeharan, its Executive Director Dr. K. Vignesh, Senior Project Manager of Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Imalka Mullegama, prominent business figures, and representatives of sponsoring organizations.
