“Your Gate Way to the North”
The biggest “Trade Festival” of Sri Lanka commenced in Jaffna in the surrounding area of historic Dutch Fort. The area is popularly known as Muttraveli and it was known as “Devil’s region” prior to the end of civil strife in the Jaffna Peninsula. Muttraveli esplanade was covered with anti-personnelmines when the Armed Forces remained within the Jaffna Fort.
When the clashes were between the Armed Forces and the Tamil Armed groups were in progress, both sides fired artillery and mortar shells at each other around the Jaffna Fort area. As a result of deadly fighting between the Armed Forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) several key government offices such as the Police station, Jaffna Court house along with Jaffna Municipal Council and shopping complexes were shifted to safer locations within Jaffna mainland far away from the Jaffna Fort area.
Under the theme ‘Your Gateway to the North,’ this premier event will bring together entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community members from Sri Lanka and abroad for a comprehensive showcase of the region’s economic potential and thriving industries.
Organised by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Ltd. (LECS) in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yarlpanam (CCIY), the JITF has grown
significantly since its inception in 2002, becoming a dynamic hub where industry leaders, SMEs, and emerging entrepreneurs connect.
Now in its 15th edition, this event has firmly established itself as the flagship platform for business and industry in the North, delivering tangible economic and social impacts while enhancing livelihoods across the region. Commenting on the event’s significance, LECS Chief Executive Officer Aasim Mukthar stated, “We are excited to launch the 15th edition of the Jaffna International Trade Fair. This initiative has consistently provided a platform for individuals, SMEs, and entrepreneurs in the north of Sri Lanka to thrive. Through this endeavor, we aim to bridge economic disparities across provinces, paving the way for an inclusive and modernised Sri Lanka.” The JITF has been successful in establishing international connections,
attracting investors from India, Canada, Indonesia, and beyond. With a focus on economic development and bridging the networking gap, facilitating collaborations, this year’s event offers entrepreneurs the chance to engage with conglomerates and companies nationwide.
The JITF 2025 is set to be an action-packed three days for SMEs, offering a unique chance to access new buyers, collaborations, and invaluable industry insights, thus strengthening both individual businesses and the wider Jaffna community.
This year’s JITF is poised to break previous records, backed by an impressive line-up of 20 sponsors and a surge in expected attendance and exhibitors. Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC has joined as the Platinum Sponsor, with Gold Sponsors including Adrian Solar Green Ltd., Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC, and House of S-lon. Additional support comes from Silver Sponsors such as Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (Munchee), Sola Chemical Company, Fine Enterprises, Hayleys Fentons
Ltd., Maxies and Company Ltd., Sun Match Company, Ruhunu Foods Ltd., LH Consortium Ltd., 4Ever Skin Naturals Ltd., Ellawala Horticulture Ltd., Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., Phoenix Industries, Phoenix Industries (Super PVC), Deen Brothers Imports Ltd., Ferentino Tyre Corporation Ltd., and Toyotsu Lanka Ltd.
With over 100,000 visitors anticipated, this edition promises to be one of the largest and most vibrant yet. A vast range of industries will be represented, including
construction, consumer products, travel and tourism, food and beverage, packaging, information and communication technology, education, automotive, agriculture, apparel, hospitality, financial services, healthcare, and more.
This event invites the public to come and experience this significant trade fair, which will also include importers, exporters, members of various chambers and associations, and industry professionals eager to form joint ventures and explore trading partnerships. Certifying bodies, research institutions, and financial organisations will also be present.
As the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2025 draws near, it stands as a testament to the power of shared vision, collaboration and commitment to progress in the North. Celebrating its 15th version, JITF 2025 promises to set new standards of excellence, where industry, trade, and community development converge to shape a brighter future.
