The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, emphasized the need to operationalize the Jaffna Economic Center in Madduvil. He also expressed his appreciation to the Hon. Minister of Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, for announcing that the center will begin operations by the end of next month.
A discussion on reactivating the Economic Center was held this morning (Tuesday, 12 August 2025) at the Jaffna District Secretariat.
Following the welcome address by Jaffna District Secretary M. Pratheepan, the Governor stated that the Jaffna Economic Center was established to address the challenge of unstable prices for agricultural products in the district. He noted that the aim was to enable farmers to market their produce directly, without the involvement of intermediaries. Recalling the pre-war period, he mentioned that Kilinochchi even hosted a night market, which attracted traders from the South who came to purchase goods. The Governor emphasized that the Economic Center should be made operational at the earliest opportunity.
In his opening remarks, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that the government’s plan is to reopen the economic centers in the three northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Vavuniya. He added that necessary facilities will be provided for the Jaffna Economic Center, with the aim of reopening it by the end of next month. At the same time, he noted that a proposal has been put forward to consolidate all economic centers in the country under a single institution.
Traders who had leased shops at the Economic Center presented their views, calling for improved facilities and greater efforts to popularize the center.
The Chairman of the Northern Cooperative Development Bank, Dr. Akilan Kathirgamar, attributed the prolonged inactivity of the Economic Center to the indifference of the authorities over the past several years. He suggested that operations should begin with the sale of long shelf-life agricultural products. He further recommended establishing collection centers in various locations across the district to gather produce and transport it to the Economic Center, in line with its original concept.
During the discussion, it was noted that the Economic Center is strategically located to serve the three areas of Vadamaratchi, Thenmaratchi, and Valikamam. Participants agreed that the site is well-suited for its purpose. It was also emphasized that if traders fail to commence operations within the stipulated period, their premises should be reclaimed and allocated to other traders.
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe reaffirmed that all necessary measures will be taken to restart the Economic Center and that it will be launched by the end of next month. He added that further steps can be discussed once the center becomes fully operational.
The discussion was attended by Minister of Commerce, Trade, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe; Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayahan; Deputy Minister Upali Samarasinghe; Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran; the Jaffna District Secretary; officials from the Ministry; and several other stakeholders.
