Traders operating Sri Lanka’s major economic centres have formally expressed strong opposition to a Government proposal to remove five key economic centres from their existing administrative framework and place them under a newly established company.
The objections were raised at a discussion held yesterday (31) at the Dambulla Economic Centre, chaired by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe. During the meeting, traders were informed of plans to set up a new company with a seven-member board of directors and transfer the administration of the Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya, Thambuttegama, Keppetipola and Narahenpita economic centres from the current management trust to the proposed entity.
The announcement led to a tense exchange, with traders stressing that these centres have been built, developed and sustained by the trading community for more than 35 years. They warned that they would not allow their business premises to be brought under the control of newly appointed groups without prior consultation and transparency, and said any such move would be strongly resisted.
In response, Minister Samarasinghe said the new company was intended to improve administration and ensure a fairer marketplace for the public. He added that under the proposal, monthly rental and tax revenues generated by the five centres would be remitted to the new company starting next month, while assuring that the rights of farmers and traders would not be affected.
However, traders rejected these assurances, arguing that the proposed entity was being created without adequate consultation, feasibility studies or fresh Cabinet approval. They maintained that the existing management trust has effectively run the economic centres for over three decades.
Traders also alleged that trade unions have already taken legal action against a company previously approved by Cabinet and accused the Minister of attempting to establish a new company by subtly changing the entity’s name without renewed Cabinet approval.
They further pointed out that the Dambulla Economic Centre has operated for 29 years without State financial assistance, funding all development work independently. According to traders, the current management trust holds savings of around Rs. 2.5 billion and has supported farmers through interest-free loans, seed distribution and financial assistance for cultivation.
The meeting escalated into a heated verbal exchange when traders reminded the Minister of an election pledge made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Dambulla to grant traders a 30-year lease. No response was given on this issue.
Journalists present also questioned inconsistencies between the company name approved by Cabinet and the newly proposed entity. The Minister said the name had been changed later and that Cabinet approval for the revised name would be sought.
Amid continued opposition, Minister Samarasinghe eventually agreed to reconsider the proposal and said a future date would be set for further discussions with traders on agreements involving the proposed company.
