One of the main successful program implemented under Mahapola concept was Mahapola Exhibition and Trade Fair which has given many socio-economic benefits to Sri Lanka, particularly to rural and semi-urban folks by way of creating opportunities to sell domestically produced goods at trade stalls. These seven-day trade fairs gave the small-scale entrepreneurs space and opportunity to sell their product, obtain knowledge and experience of industries and products, services offered by various Government and Non-Government Institutions at their doorsteps.

The Trade Fair and the Education Exhibition were organized in rural schools and the income generated from the sale of the entrance tickets were utilized to provide infrastructure development to those schools. The very first Mahapola trade fair exhibition was held in January 1981 at Teachers’ Training College of Bandarawela.

During the 1980-2000 periods, people started to show their attractiveness and interest in Mahapola Trade Fair greatly, however since the beginning of the 21st century, it was reduced. Exhibitions do not receive a surplus income result Mahapola Exhibition and Trade Fair was non existence for last few years.

Details of the Mahapola Trade Fair Held

Place of Mahapola Trade Fair Held Period of Exhibition Lottery No Value of the lottery Lottery Drawan ON
Bandarawela Teachers Training College 03.01.1981 12.01.1981 1 Lorry or 245000 Bandarawela Teachers Training College 12.01.1981
Hewaheta Thalatu Oya M. M. Vidyalaya 09.01.1982 18.01.1982 2 Bus or 495000 Hewaheta Thalatu Oya M. M. Vidyalaya 18.01.1982
Mathugama C. W. W. Kannangara M. M. Vidyalaya 06.01.1983 17.01.1983 3   1,000,001 Mathugama C. W. W. Kannangara M. M. Vidyalaya 17.01.1983
Pelmadulla Gankanda M. M. Vidayalaya 10.02.1984 20.02.1984 4   1,002,500 Pelmadulla Gankanda M. M. Vidayalaya 20.02.1984
Elpitiya Ananda M. M. Vidyalaya 07.02.1985 18.02.1985 5   1,003,000 Elpitiya Ananda M. M. Vidyalaya 18.02.1985
Pannala Maha Vidyalaya 14.02.1986 24.02.1986 6   1,003,100 Pannala Maha Vidyalaya 24.02.1986
Hiniduma Nagado Maha Vidyalaya 06.02.1987 16.02.1987 7   1,003,200 Hiniduma Nagoda Maha Vidyalaya 16.02.1987
Meerigama D. S. Senanarake M. V. 11.02.1988 21.02.1988 8   1,003,300 Meerigama D. S. Senanarake M. V 21.02.1988
Bandaragama M. M. V. 25.03.1990 04.04.1990 NIL   NIL NIL NIL
Kurunegala Maliyadewa M. M. Vidyalaya 31.03.1991 09.04.1991 NIL   NIL NIL NIL
Matale Alick Aluvihare Stadium 30.03.1992 08.04.1992 NIL   NIL NIL NIL