Kithulaka Varuna – 2013 Exhibition and Trade Fair:

Kithul, Palmyra workers to become industry owners

Anushika Ranadewa and Ishara Mudugamuwa

Kithulaka Varuna- 2013 Exhibition together with a Trade Fair will be held on April 5- 7 at the Sudarshi Hall in Colombo 7.

“There is a high economic value for Kithul and Palmyra products in the international market and the aim of the Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry is to convert Kithul and Palmyra workers into industry owners,” the ministry’s Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake said.

He was addressing a press conference at the Government Information Department recently.

He said export earnings of Kithul and Palmyra production which was Rs. 26 million in 2011 has been increased to Rs. 58 million in 2012 is over a 100 percent increase.

The government had granted a budget of almost Rs. 30 million for Kithul and Palmyra production last year, he said.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy said the aim of the event is to boost the Kithul industry.

According to the Secretary, the Exhibition and Trade Fair will provide market opportunities for Kithul and Palmyra treacle and juggary and food beverages of industrialists, mainly during the Sinhalese and Hindu New Year period, where the demand would elevate. “The Exhibition and Trade Fair will also facilitate opportunities for customers from Colombo and its suburbs to purchase quality Kithul and Palmyra products straight from the producers,” said the Secretary.

The Exhibition and Trade Fair will comprise 40 trade stalls and showcase Kithul and Palmyra based items such as treacle and juggary, foods and beverages, handicraft and wood based products. Industrialists from various parts of the country will take part.

The inauguration ceremony will be held on April 5 at 4 pm, with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa as chief guest. Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda, Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake, ministers and Members of Parliament will also participate.