Sri Lanka is taking steps to integrate its network of 18 dedicated economic centers into a state-owned limited liability company to tackle issues of mismanagement, according to Trade and Food Security Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.

“We have established the National Agri-Marketing Service to ensure all 18 economic centers are operated equally,” Samarasinghe informed parliament.

In response to a query from MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Samarasinghe explained that the newly formed National Agri-Marketing Service would operate under the Secretary to the Treasury, aiming to standardize operations across all centers.

The minister has already appointed seven directors to this newly incorporated institution. He highlighted deficiencies in the current management model, where administrative decisions by ministry officials led to a deviation from the centers’ core mandate.

“Economic Centers were established to facilitate trade for farmers and businessmen, not for alternate commercial ventures,” Samarasinghe emphasized.

He pointed out specific instances where stall spaces were being repurposed for banking activities. Traders who were initially allocated these stalls have started renting or selling them, he noted.

“One shop in Dambulla was sold for 50 million rupees, and another for 75 million rupees,” Samarasinghe stated, highlighting that such transactions are illegal since the centers remain government property.

Dasanayake noted that the centers were already under a management trust overseen by the treasury, suggesting that the minister should collaborate with the existing body.

(Colombo/Feb19/2026)