Mega event to boost Mannar District

A two-day exhibition and investor forum from 12 to 13 November will showcase agriculture, livestock, technology and machinery

Mannar, a district inaccessible for nearly three decades is now emerging as a district of opportunities for agribusiness development and also as the district with rich natural resources including natural gas.

Agriculture is one of the key economic sectors in the district providing livelihood for over 15,000 families.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED) of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and Mannar District Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture have teamed up to present the Mannar Agriculture, Livestock, Technology and Machinery Exhibition 2011 and the Mannar Investment Forum at the Murunkan MV, Murunkan, Mannar.

The exhibition, organised in collaboration with Ministry of Industry and Commerce, District Secretariat- Mannar, Northern Provincial Department of Agriculture - Mannar, Northern Provincial Department of Animal Production and Health- Mannar, is supported by the European Union.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen will inaugurate the exhibition on 12 November as the Chief Guest while Government Agent Mannar N.  Vethanayaham will be the Chief Guest on the 13. Key State officials are also expected to grace the occasion.      

This is the first time an agriculture, livestock, technology and machinery exhibition will be hosted in Mannar, providing a unique platform to the farming community in the district to explore new opportunities available to advance their traditional agriculture and animal rearing practices.

Objectives of the exhibition are to provide the farming communities exposure in – agriculture and livestock technology and support services, high yielding seeds, livestock breeds and agri-inputs, market linkages, financial and insurance linkages.

There will be over 50 stalls and many leading private sector and state organisations have already confirmed their participation.

The exhibition intends attracting over 4000 people during the two day event. Many senior school children are also likely to participate.

Mannar Investor Forum will be held on 12 November from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at the Main Hall of the Murunkan MV Murunkan Mannar, concurrent to the exhibition.

Investors from South as well as North, interested in exploring numerous investments opportunities in Mannar are invited to attend this Forum.

Total program including transportation and accommodation will be arranged by SMED and MDCCIA. Leading Banks and potential investors from Mannar are also expected to participate at the Forum providing an important and broader platform for interaction and investment decision making.   The topics covered will include economic and business environment in the Mannar district, current status and facilitation for investment and business; potential investment opportunities in Mannar district and investment incentives available; future development plan for Mannar district and current investment opportunities through “Uthuru Wasanthaya” and the role of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for Industrial Development in the Mannar district.

Representatives from the District Secretariat Mannar, Board of Investment, Ministry of Economic Development - Regional Development Unit and Ministry of Industry and Commerce will make presentations and join in discussion and Q&A sessions. In addition key financial institutions as well as insurance service providers will also participate at this forum providing a unique “one stop” opportunity to discuss potential business ventures. There will be opportunities for one to one business meetings.  In 2009, Oxfam GB was contracted by the European Union as an implementer of the project “Socio-Economic Development for Conflict Affected Communities of North and East Sri Lanka.”  The project aims at contributing to: Improved access to infrastructure and enhanced capacity to significantly improve household income and food security of conflict affected families. Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) is the key implementing partner of Oxfam. FCCISL identifies its component of the Project as C.H.E.E.R. (Chamber-Network Engagement In Economic Rehabilitation).