Industrial exhibition in Anuradhapura

Hidogama group corr.

An Industrial and Trade Exhibition and Fair organized by the NCP Provincial Ministry of Trade, Food, Textile Industries, Rural Development and Industries and Housing on the direction of Minister H. B. Semasinghe in keeping with the President’s program of popularising indigenous food production and consumption and with the objective of bringing provincial talent and skills into national focus is being held at the Anuradhapura Yovun Nikethanaya from September 20 to 22.

Minister Semasinghe has requested Ministers, public officials, public and private sector companies to patronise the exhibition to help boost local production and the economy.

Assistant Secretary (Planning) to the Provincial Ministry, W. M. R. B. Weerasekare said the exhibition and fair would provide students in the area an opportunity to find a path to follow training courses in engineering, hotel trade, motor mechanism and other self employment avenues. Among items on display will be local food items, locally produced textiles and clothing and fancy goods among others.

NCP Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake said textile weaving, handicrafts have been traditional cottage industries in the NCP. The endeavour made by Minister Semasinghe and his Ministry to provide a boost to these industries and local food production was most commendable.

This trade fair and exhibition would also create a link between local producers and consumers which would be vital for the future welfare of medium and small-scale industrialists and food producers in the region.

Provincial Minister H. B. Semasinghe said they hoped to make this exhibition and fair a stepping-stone for provincial industrialists to enter the national arena. The President had advised them to conduct exhibitions of this nature to encourage local production.

They have planned to submit the best items chosen at this exhibition to the national exhibition. They also hoped to provide a stable market for the industrialists, farmers and other self employed persons through this exhibition.

M. V. D. Dilhani of Maradankadawala who is a participant said her husband is a disabled soldier and she earned a living through self employment producing sweet meat and other food out of local cereals with technical know how provided by the Provincial Rural Development Department. The exhibition and fair would be an ideal opportunity for her to improve her business.

Indrani Mallika Sovis of Sharavasthripura said she produced handbags and schoolbags with the technical know-how given by the Provincial Rural Development Ministry. She earned nearly Rs. 6,000 per week by selling her products. She did all this with a single machine.

She could provide employment to another 10-15 hands if she was provided with a modern sewing machine and a button-fixing machine.