Income cannot be increased without boosting exports. To achieve this, industries must be established to add value to the Northern Province’s most valuable resources—agriculture and fisheries. By converting these raw products into value-added goods, we can significantly enhance our export potential. Furthermore, the establishment of such industries will also address the region’s unemployment issue,” said the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan
A discussion on developing export-ready manufacturers in the Northern Province, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka National Exporters Association and Rotary Club – Jaffna, was held at the J Guest Hotel in Ariyalai on the morning of Wednesday, 30th July 2025. The Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, attended the event as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering.
In his speech, the Governor expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to making the initiative possible. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lanka National Exporters Association, the Jaffna Managers Forum, the Northern Development Authority, and all stakeholders who have come together with a shared vision to strengthen the export ecosystem of our region.
The Northern Province is blessed with abundant human talent, agricultural diversity, traditional craftsmanship, and a growing base of entrepreneurs. Yet, we continue to face significant challenges in areas such as market access, quality certification, and exposure—key factors that are essential to transforming small-scale producers into successful exporters.
This initiative marks a transformative opportunity for the Northern Province. By bringing together exporters, manufacturers, support institutions, and service providers through this Business-to-Business (B2B) platform, we aim to lay a strong foundation for direct business linkages, knowledge exchange, and comprehensive export-readiness support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
These targeted interventions are designed to bridge critical gaps—enabling producers in the North to meet international standards, scale up operations, and diversify their markets. This is not merely about exporting goods; it is about exporting hope, innovation, and resilience from a region determined to rebuild, rise, and thrive.
I urge all visiting exporters and investors to recognize and tap into the strengths of our local industries—from agribusiness and marine resources to traditional handicrafts and technical services. With your guidance, expertise, and global networks, we have the potential to build a vibrant and competitive export community in the Northern Province.
I assure you that the Northern Provincial Council will extend its full support to this endeavour. We are committed to working hand in hand with the Sri Lanka National Exporters Association and all relevant stakeholders to remove existing barriers, enhance infrastructure, and foster a policy environment that enables sustainable export-led growth.
Speaking at the event, the Honorable Governor noted that the current government is placing increased emphasis on developing the export economy. “We must take full advantage of this favorable opportunity,” he said, adding that efforts are already underway to establish a mechanism that enables even ordinary citizens to engage in export activities without unnecessary obstacles.
At the commencement of the event, a publication for exporters was officially handed over to the Governor. The event was also attended by Jaffna District Secretary M. Piratheepan, the President of the Sri Lanka National Exporters Association, and the Governor of the Rotary Club for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
