The first meeting of the Board of Directors of National Agri Market Services Ltd, the newly formed state-owned enterprise responsible for managing Sri Lanka’s specialized economic centers, took place yesterday (24) at the Ministry of Trade.
The session was chaired by Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.
Fully owned by the General Treasury, National Agri Market Services Ltd was established to formalize and streamline the operations of the country’s economic centers, which have previously operated in an informal manner.
During the meeting, Ministry Secretary K. A. Wimalenthirarajah and other senior officials outlined the company’s planned activities and discussed the key challenges facing the sector.
In recent months, the Ministry has also engaged in consultations with economic center representatives, management trusts, and trade associations to explain the goals and structure of the new company.
This initiative seeks to standardize and modernize the management of economic centers nationwide, ensuring a more coordinated approach.
The head office, based in Narahenpita, will prioritize building an efficient supply chain connecting farmers directly to consumers.
Plans include enhancing packaging and transport systems to minimize post-harvest losses, maintain fair pricing, and provide fresh, high-quality produce to the public.
Additionally, National Agri Market Services Ltd will take the lead in property management, vendor agreements, price regulation, and in promoting transparency and accountability across all economic centers.
