Jaffna Municipal Council fleeces JIFT with exorbitant rentals

Despite helping to usher economic prosperity to the Northern region the Jaffna Municipal Council keeps on charging exorbitant amounts when renting the Muttraweli Grounds, to host the Jaffna International Trade Fair (JIFT) which is the largest multi-trade exhibitions in the North of Sri Lanka in the region said organisers of the event.

“The amount charged is far greater than the amount charged by other municipalities in the entire country, Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd. (LECS) Chief Executive Officer, Aasim Mukthar stated at the launch on Wednesday.

Answering a query raised by ‘Daily News Business’ he said that this happened from 2018 and since then they have been making representations to authorities to come with a reasonable fee but with no avail. He said that the event which will be held from January 24 to 26 under the theme “Your Gateway to the North,” organised by LECS in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yarlpanam (CCIY), the JITF has grown significantly since its inception in 2002, becoming a dynamic hub where industry leaders, SMEs, and emerging entrepreneurs connect.

This premier event will bring together entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community members from Sri Lanka and abroad for a comprehensive showcase of the region’s economic potential and thriving industries. Now in its 15th edition, this event has firmly established itself as the flagship platform for business and industry in the North, delivering tangible economic and social impacts while enhancing livelihoods across the region.

“This Jaffna International Trade Fair has consistently provided a platform for individuals, SMEs, and entrepreneurs in the North of Sri Lanka to thrive. Through this endeavour, we aim to bridge economic disparities across provinces, paving the way for an inclusive and modernised Sri Lanka.”

The Jaffna International Trade Fair has been successful in establishing international connections, attracting investors from India, Canada, Indonesia and beyond. With a focus on economic development and bridging the networking gap, facilitating collaborations, this year’s event offers entrepreneurs the chance to engage with conglomerates and companies nationwide.

“This year too several Indian companies and Japanese observers are expected to participate.”

Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC has joined as the Platinum Sponsor, with Gold Sponsors including Adrian Solar Green (Pvt) Ltd., Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC, and House of S-lon.

Additional support comes from Silver Sponsors such as Ceylon Biscuits Limited (Munchee), Sola Chemical Company, Fine Enterprises, Hayleys Fentons Ltd., Maxies and Company (Pvt) Ltd., Sun Match Company, Ruhunu Foods (Pvt) Ltd., LH Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., 4Ever Skin Naturals (Pvt) Ltd., Ellawala Horticulture (Pvt) Ltd., Rhino Roofing Products Limited, Phoenix Industries, Phoenix Industries (Super PVC), Deen Brothers Imports (Pvt) Ltd., Ferentino Tyre Corporation Pvt Ltd and Toyotsu Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Source: Daily News