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 |