Trade unions and farmers warn of legal battles and islandwide protests as allegations surface that key economic centers are being transferred to a company led by politically connected directors without consultation.
The Chairman of the Dambulla Specialized Economic Centers Trade Association, C.S. Siriwardena, announced that legal action is being initiated against the government’s decision to place the management of the Dambulla Economic Center and other major economic centers under a private company structure.
Speaking at a media briefing in Dambulla, he said the Dambulla Economic Center has been successfully operated for over 29 years under its existing administrative framework. He stressed that the current system has ensured stability, transparency, and fair trade practices for farmers and traders.
At the same briefing, Chairman of the National Farmers’ Union Anuradha Tennakoon stated that awareness campaigns are now underway across the island. Farmers’ organizations, trade unions, and civil groups are being mobilized to resist what they describe as an attempt to privatize and sell economic centers without stakeholder consultation.
He alleged that several members affiliated with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna have been appointed as chairman and directors of the proposed company. According to him, these appointments were made without transparent discussion or public disclosure.
Representing Nuwara Eliya farmers’ organizations, Tharindu Ratnayake claimed that cabinet approval had been secured for the private company without consulting farmers. He alleged that directors were appointed under different names to satisfy political interests. He questioned why farmers were excluded from decisions directly affecting agricultural trade and food distribution systems.
Ratnayake further stated that in the first phase, six economic centers are to be placed under the company, although about fourteen centers operate islandwide. He challenged the Minister to first take over loss-making or closed centers and demonstrate improvement before transferring well-functioning centers.
Sunil Seneviratne, Chairman of the Thambuttegama Economic Centers Trade Association, claimed that key political leaders had rarely engaged with these centers until recent ministerial changes. He vowed that management of the centers would not be handed to political associates.
He warned that if Anura Kumara Dissanayake does not intervene, farmers will demonstrate their collective strength.
Meanwhile, Roshan Cooray, Secretary of the All Ceylon Economic Centers Trade Association, described the cabinet approval process as misleading. He said the existing administrative structure remains strong and questioned the lack of transparency about newly appointed directors.
Representatives including S.E.R. Bandusena of Keppetipola and Nalinda of the Farmers’ Wall also voiced strong opposition, signaling potential escalation in the dispute over Sri Lanka’s economic centers and agricultural governance.
