Largest weekly fair in Embilipitiya vested with the public

Saturday, 6 December 2014 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Turning a new folio in the annals of Sri Lankan history, the largest weekly fair in the country which erected in Embilipitiya was vested with the public by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a ceremony held at the Embilipitiya town this week.

The Chief Guest of the mega opening ceremony, President Rajapaksa unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion amidst the gathering at the outset of the event. The man behind the urban development drive, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also present at the venue. The entire event replete with cultural displays added an extra elegant to the setting. This centrally-located urban city has been recognised as one of the major agro-economic hubs in the Sabaragamuwa Province under the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ policy manifesto. It is one of the distribution centres of the agro-based harvest in the region while supporting direct and indirect career opportunities in diversified fields for the city dwellers.

Thus, the Urban Development Authority (UDA) under the direct supervision of the Secretary Defence with an aspiration to enhance the economic activities in the region took early steps and initiated the process of constructions in the month of May in last year. Accordingly, it was commenced in a three acre Government-owned plot of land under a plan designed by the UDA. The newly-opened fair has four two-storeyed buildings with 64 shops in total facing the road-front in the public fair premises. It also designed with two spacious fruit stalls allowing for over 12 fruit vendors to engage in business. In addition, two fish stalls are also available for eight fishery item sellers. The fair could facilitate approximately 700 vendors and it also has the easy access via the main road from either side for logistic engagements.

Adding much value to the largest fair worth of over Rs. 150 million, a unique platform has been constructed to hold trade exhibitions, shows and other public events. In particular, the entire setting has been designed to contain a large number of people who would patronise the fair. Meanwhile, with a view to facilitate the consumers, proper sanitary facilities and access ways for differently-abled people have also been included. The electricity has been supplied by fixing a solar power panel while keeping away from the national grid. The spacious vehicle park would provide parking facilities while reducing the traffic congestions in the adjacent road network.

The construction of this mega project was carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force under the supervision of the Secretary Defence. Moreover, it would be an ideal setting for traders as it lies adjacent to the Economic Centre of the city. This landmark structure made a great leap forward in the sustainable remote city development process today. Vital economic development projects of this calibre would be continued in other similar cities accordingly with a view to create a better future for all. Religious dignitaries, Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, Chief Minister and the Governor of the Province, UDA Chairperson, Director General and Additional Directors General, vendors, consumers and a large gathering of city dwellers were present at the event.