• Heated discussion erupts at Dambulla Economic Centre meeting

Owners of trade stalls at economic centres have informed Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe that they strongly oppose the Government’s decision to transfer five major economic centres to a newly established company.

This was revealed during a discussion held on 31 January at the Dambulla Economic Centre under the patronage of the Minister. The meeting was convened to brief traders on the appointment of a new management board, the selection of seven directors, and the transfer of economic centres currently administered by a management trust.

A tense situation developed during the meeting, with traders directly telling the Minister that the centres have been managed by traders for more than 35 years. They said that they would not allow sudden changes to management or control of their premises without prior notice.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Samarasinghe said the new company was established to ensure proper administration of the economic centres and to create a fair market system for the public.

He announced the Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya, Thambuttegama, Keppetipola, and Narahenpita economic centres would come under the new company, adding that all monthly tax revenues collected would have to be paid to the company from next month. He assured the move would not affect the rights of farmers or traders.

Traders rejected the proposal, stating that it was unacceptable to transfer businesses operating for more than three decades without proper consultation or investigation. They stressed the centres have been managed through a strong management trust for over 30 years.

They also pointed out that legal action was already filed against a previously proposed company presented to the Cabinet, accusing the Minister of changing the company’s name after Cabinet approval and proceeding without fresh approval.

Traders further said the Dambulla Economic Centre has carried out development work for 29 years without Government funding and has accumulated savings of Rs. 250 million. They highlighted support provided to farmers through interest-free loans, seeds, and other assistance.

During the discussion, traders reminded the Minister that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had pledged, during an election visit to Dambulla, to grant a 30-year lease agreement to traders. The Minister did not respond to this claim.

Responding to questions from journalists about discrepancies between the Cabinet-approved company and the company name cited in legal action, Minister Samarasinghe said the name was changed and that he was prepared to seek Cabinet approval for the revised name at a later stage.

Given the strong opposition, the Minister said further discussions would be held on a future date to reach an agreement acceptable to both parties.