The Northern Province currently contributes 4.5 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and we have set a target of increasing this contribution to 10 percent. To achieve this target within a short period, the support, commitment and enthusiasm of entrepreneurs are essential. We will work towards achieving this goal by making full use of the favorable opportunities and support available under the current government, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The Northern Provincial Industrial Trade Fair – 2026, jointly organized by the Northern Provincial Department of Industries and the Kilinochchi District Secretariat, commenced today – on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at the Kilinochchi Green Park. The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, attended the inaugural ceremony held this morning as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.
The Governor commended the significant growth achieved by small and medium-sized enterprises that were established on a small scale in the post-war period. He said it was encouraging to see entrepreneurs introducing new products each year and expanding their businesses through innovative and creative ideas. He further emphasized that such new initiatives and efforts would help these enterprises reach the next level of development.
The Governor stated that there are significant opportunities for products from the Northern Province not only in the domestic market but also in international export markets. He pointed out that the diaspora community living abroad has a strong interest in a wide range of products manufactured in the Northern Province, and emphasized that this market could be strategically utilized to expand exports. He further noted that manufacturers have an opportunity to access international markets through the Northern Province Exporters’ Association, which was established for this purpose.
The Governor stated that productivity in the Kilinochchi District is high and welcomed the fact that yields during the current minor season have exceeded expectations. However, he expressed concern that a significant proportion of these products are not being processed into value-added products within the province, but are instead transported to other districts and regions as raw materials. He noted that, as a result, producers are unable to realize the maximum economic benefits from their products.
The Governor emphasized that the next crucial step in the industrial development of the Northern Province should be the conversion of raw materials into value-added products. He stated that establishing a complete production chain encompassing production, processing, packaging, marketing and export would help increase the income of entrepreneurs and enhance the competitiveness of Northern Province products in both domestic and international markets.
The Governor stated that the Northern Provincial Department of Industries has previously provided entrepreneurs with machinery and equipment to support small scale value added production, and that very low interest loan facilities will also be made available in the future. He urged entrepreneurs to make full use of these opportunities provided by the government and take their businesses to the next level of development.
The Governor noted that the expansion of industrial enterprises in the Northern Province would create new employment opportunities, add value to local raw materials by transforming them into high-value products, and ultimately increase the Province’s contribution to the national economy.
The three-day fair showcases a wide range of products manufactured and produced by entrepreneurs from various parts of the Northern Province. These include food products, handicrafts, traditional products, packaged food items, clothing and textile products, wooden products, pottery, and palmyrah- and coconut-based products. The fair provides entrepreneurs with valuable opportunities to promote, market and sell their products directly to consumers.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, as the Chief Guest. The Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources, R. Chandrasekhar, was unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances. M. Mohan, Kilinochchi District Coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force, also participated in the event.
The event was chaired by the Director of the Provincial Department of Industries – Northern Province , S. Krishnenthiran, and was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan; the Kilinochchi District Secretary, S. Muralitharan; the Hon. Chairman of the Karaichchi Pradeshiya Sabha, A. Velamalikithan; entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders and other invitees.
The Northern Provincial Industrial Trade Fair – 2026 will be held from today until 17 August 2026 at the Kilinochchi Green Park. The public can visit the trade fair daily from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
