Trade fairs for festive seasons

D. C. de Silva Kahawa special correspondent

Steps are under way to hold a Trade Fair along Galle Samanala Bridge premises from April 9 to 12 organised by the SPC, Food and Co-operative Ministry in association with several other state institutions in order to facilitate New Year customers to purchase their needs at cheap rates, was stated at a conference at Galle Governor’s Secretariat presided over by the SP Governor Kumari Balasuriya.

Governor Balasuriya addressing the occasion said, that this type of Trade fairs during festive seasons will help customers to buy their needs at reasonable prices. New Year and Christmas seasons are said to be seasons where prices of goods are going up.

She said the idea of the SPC Food and Cooperative Minister Ariyatilake to hold a trade fair during festive season is appreciative. Prior publicity through TV channels and media is important to make the effort a success.

To facilitate farmers to sell their produce at the fair is a must. SPC Food and Co-operative Minister U. G. D. Ariyatilaka said, the pola would be a place for amusement to the customers, as it includes traditional Devil Dances too in order to entertain them. He said industrialists from the hinterland would also be given opportunity to open trade stalls at the place.”

In short the pola would be a place for the customers to buy all their needs under one umbrella. The pola would be organised to cater to the needs of all. When the green chillies per kilo cost Rs. 300 in the interior areas, it was sold at Rs. 600 per kilo in the town market” he revealed.

DSI institute will also open a stall at the fair he said. Fisheries sector, banks, telecom will render their services at the fair” he said.

Ministry secretary, Chintaka S. Lokuhetti and several others spoke.

The Governor also told the Minister to appoint a working committee to ease the process.