‘Batticaloa International Trade Exhibition’ in October

The remarkable revival of the Island's economy mainly through internal and international trade has ensured that all parts of Sri Lanka reap the benefits and after three decades the East of the country will see a new chapter opened. The Batticaloa International Trade Exhibition 2011 (BITE) will usher a new chapter in the annals of the “City of the Singing Fish”.

National Enterprise Development Authority Chairman and Director General Ameer Ali (second from right) and Batticaloa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Agriculture President V. Ranjithmoorthy (second from left) at the media briefing. Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Director Imran Hassan (right) and General Manager Aasim Mukthar are also present

A unique initiative taken by Lanka Exhibitions and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd. in partnership with the Batticaloa District Chamber of Commerce with the guidance of the National Enterprise Development Authority, an arm of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

BITE 2011 is set to bring in a multitude of Sri Lankan and international giants to showcase their products and services spanning diverse sectors and portfolios.

The exhibition is set to be held from the 7- 9 October 2011 at the Webber Stadium in Batticaloa. The organisers are expecting over 40,000 visitors during the three day event. It is billed to be the first among many events- reinvigorating, merging and harnessing the beauty of the East.

Batticaloa the unofficial capital of the East is the home of many an industry and is considered the focal point of trade and one of the main access points to the Ampara, Moneragala, Polonnaruwa and Badulla districts in their day to day trading. Imran Hassan Director LECS stated that “The city itself is the hub and with the mega development projects going on in the area there is a great demand for suppliers. It is this gap that we are trying to fill by facilitating this initiative”

The Industries center on agriculture and fishing which contribute vastly to the Lankan economy. The Eastern population thrives on these two industries and considers them to be the most vital part of their economic growth. Tourism is also a major industry with the Kalladi beach, the lagoon of the Singing fish, and Arugam Bay being some of the most sought after tourist destinations in the vicinity.

The Nilaweli beach in Trincomalee, Minneriya National park, the Habarana national park, and the Lahugala and Galo oya National Parks all centre around the beautiful and bustling city of Batticaloa.

The economic potential of the Lagoon and its surroundings as the hub for the Fisheries and the Agriculture industry together with the booming potential for the tourist and hospitality industries are yet to be realised fully. The government backed mega development projects such as “Nagenahira Navodaya” has brought in a breath of fresh air to the East.

The private sector of the country have also moved into the vicinity and have commenced work on many development projects and services that have brought a sense of stability and sustainability to the East.

BITE 2011 is focused on bringing in a huge amount of Industries together and showcasing them on a single stage.

The exhibition will represent dealers and service providers of the construction, agriculture, food, beverage and packaging, Information and communication technology, Travel and tourism, automobile and the hospitality industry among many others.

The district consists of a diverse population representing a model of the Islands ethnic groups. Tamils, Moors, Sinhalese Euro-Asian Burghers and the indigenous Vedar population are all a part and parcel of the districts evolving lifestyle of the East.

The Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL), located in Vantharumoolai 16 km North of Batticaloa founded in 1980 is considered the cradle of education for the vibrant youth in one of the most industrialized areas of Island. The lagoon is famous internationally for its “singing fish,” supposed to be shell-fish which give forth musical notes.

With the conclusion of a 30 year long civil war the population in the East are in the process of reaping the benefits of lasting peace and merger of the dividends with the ever evolving needs of the population is the core focus of BITE 2011.

Missaka Weerakoon - Project Manager of LECS is of the opinion that one of the main reasons to chose Batticaloa as the centre piece is to “To develop the standards of living in the East by introducing modern technology and trends which is of great importance to a region that has been neglected for over three decades.”

The exposure will give a new lease of life to the community increasing their economic efficiency and would provide the community with an education of modern methods, services and products used elsewhere in the world in their chosen industries.