The government is considering establishing a dedicated economic centre for the purchase, marketing and export of minor export crops in Palapathwela, Matale.
A team led by Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe visited the proposed site on Thursday (17) to assess its suitability for the project.
The proposal was submitted by Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Chairman of the Matale District Coordinating Committee, Gamagedara Dissanayake.
The multi-purpose economic centre is planned as a joint initiative between the Palapathwela Regional Rural Bank and the National Agribusiness Development Company. It will provide a marketplace for local and international buyers to purchase minor export crops such as cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and nutmeg, while also being developed as a tourist attraction.
During the visit, officials also briefed the Minister on the project's feasibility report and proposed development plans.
