2026-02-19 / Oral Question: Economic Centres and National Agri Market Services Limited (Q. 5/2026) 2026-02-19
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe outlined the governance and operational framework for the newly established National Agri Market Services Limited, clarifying that the institution will serve traders, farmers, and consumers without interfering in commercial activity. He addressed concerns about shop tenure, confirming that existing operators will retain their premises under continuing rent agreements, renewed in five-year periods with rent revisions every three years based on Government Valuation. A management committee comprising district and divisional officials, traders' and farmers' associations, police, and a bank representative has been established to oversee the centres, and the Minister indicated that the committee will not be impeded by unfounded objections aimed at undermining the institution.
Accordingly, the National Agri Market Services Limited will function as the institution providing orderly facilities. It will facilitate traders, farmers, and consumers. It will not obstruct business. The main concern of some is whether their shops will be re-tendered. We have clearly stated that current shop operators will continue. We are not going into business ourselves. Existing rent agreements will be continued in five-year periods, with rent revised every three years based on Government Valuation, with formal agreements. A management committee has been set up comprising the District Secretary, Divisional/Urban Council Secretary, traders’ and farmers’ associations, police, and a bank representative. The committee will not be made inactive due to trivial objections. We will implement decisions to run these centres properly. We will not entertain baseless allegations aimed at derailing this institution.