16th Jaffna International Trade Fair Returns in January 2026, Strengthening Trade, Innovation, and Sustainability in Northern Sri Lanka

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF), Northern Sri Lanka’s largest and most influential multitrade exhibition, will return for its 16th consecutive year from 23rd to 25th January 2026 at the Muttraweli Ground in Jaffna. As the region’s most established commercial platform, the fair continues to play a central role in advancing economic betterment, fostering business connectivity, and promoting technology-driven innovation across the Northern Province.

Organized by Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS)-Sri Lanka’s leading exhibition andtrade-show organizer and Presidential Award Winner in association with the Chamber ofCommerce & Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) – JITF has grown into one of the country’s mostanticipated annual events. LECS, known for its professionalism and decades-long industryexpertise, ensures that JITF offers top-tier participation, wide national visibillty, and a steadypromotional reach throughout the Jaffna Peninsula. Its strong network and reputation continueto draw businesses, investors, and institutions that recognize the fair as a strategic gateway tothe rapidly developing Northern market.

A Proven Platform for High-Impact Business Engagement

Over the years, JITF has firmly established itself as the North’s most comprehensive and results-driven trade exhibition. The 2026 edition reaffirms this standing. Las year, the event welcomed78,452 visitors from across Sri Lanka and 5,000 invited business delegates, including seniorofficials, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors. This impressive turnout reflects thefair’s status as a premier venue for commercial exchange and market exploration.

The exhibition will feature 400+ stalls presenting an extensive range of products, services, andadvanced technologies across multiple industries. Its diverse exhibitor base attractsmanufacturers, service providers, distributors, importers, exporters, and Innovators seekingexposure to one of Sri Lanka’s most promising and steadily expanding regional economies.

A key strength of the fair is its ability to foster meaningful business conversations-nearly 70%of visitors engage in direct business discusslons, resulting in new partnerships, distributionagreements, and investment opportunities. Exhibitors consistently identify JITF as a catalyst formarket expansion, brand visibility, and long-term business development.

To support maximum participation and engagement, the 2026 edition has been strategically scheduled to avoid regional holidays, ensuring that both exhibitors and visitors can take part without competing commitments. This planning approach continues to strengthen JITF’s influence as a marketplace where business activity thrives.

A Multisector Showcase Representing Diverse Industries

JITF’s strength lies in it wide-ranging sector representation, making it a central hub for innovation, trade, and commercial growth. The 2026 exhibition will feature an array of industries, including: Construction materials and machinery, Automobile, Consumer Products, Agriculture, Hotel Supplies, Apparel & machinery, Food, Beverage & Packaging, ICT, Financial Services, Education, Healthcare Products & Services, Emerging and specialized industries.

This broad coverage ensures that the fair caters to both B2B and B2C audiences, attracting animpressive cross-section of stakeholders from multiple sectors. The exhibition provides an idealenvironment for product launches, market testing, business matchmaking,and networking withkey decision-makers.

A Diverse and Influential Visitor Profile

Each year, the Jaffna International Trade Fair draws a varied and influential audience whoseparticipation contributes significantly to the region’s economic activity. Typical visitors include:

• Importers, exporters, wholesalers, and distributors
• Members of chambers of commerce and trade associations
• Local entrepreneurs and SMEs seeking partnerships or joint ventures
• Representatives of financial institutions and development agencies
• Professionals from agriculture, fisheries, engineering, and technical sectors
• Researchers, consultants, and certification bodies

This vibrant mix of stakeholders makes the fair a natural hub for forging long-term businesscollaborations and stimulating trade development in the North

A Catalyst for Northern Sri Lanka’s Growth

The Jaffna International Trade Fair has become a cornerstone of post-conflict economic revival inthe Northern Province. As infrastructure strengthens and investment flows steadily into theregion, JITF continues to serve as a gateway for businesses exploring new opportunities in adynamic and rapidly evolving market.

With its high visitor turnout, wide sector representation, sustainability initiatives, andeducational platforms, the 16th Jaffna International Trade Fair 2026 reinforces its position asNorthern Sri Lanka’s most significant hub for trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

Reinforcing Environmental Responsibility: Plastic Neutral Initiative

In alignment with global sustainability trends, JITF will continue its Plastic Neutral Initiative for the second consecutive year in 2026. The initiative reflects the organizers’ commitment to environmental responsibility and their efforts to minimize the ecological footprint of large-scale events.

special waste management and recycling stations will be placed throughout the exhibition
grounds to encourage proper disposal of plastic and polythene waste. Visitors will have
opportunities to participate in engaging and educational activities designed to build awareness
about sustainable waste management and recycling practices. The fair also encourages the public
to bring plastic waste from home, directly supporting regional recycling efforts.

All collected plastic will be responsibly recycled or upcycled in partnership with approved waste-
management organizations. Through this initiative, JITF not only reduces waste generated during the event but also contributes to creating a cleaner, greener, and more environmentally
conscious future for the Northern Province.

Acknowledgment of Sponsors

The organizers gratefully acknowledge the support of the following sponsors, whose contributions have been instrumental in making the 16th Jaffna International Trade Fair 2026 a
success:

Platinum Sponsor: DIMO

Diamond Sponsor: Tokyo Cement Group

Gold Sponsors: Star Logistics, House of Slon, John Keells CG Auto, LH Consortium [Pvt] Ltd,
Maliban Group of Companies, Brown & Co. Ltd

Silver Sponsors: Telesonic Mobility (Pvt) Ltd, British Cosmetics (Pvt) Ltd, Norfolk Foods (Pvt) Ltd,
Deen Brothers Imports (Pvt) Ltd, David Peiris Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd, Lanwa
Group / Ferentino, iFrontiers (Pvt) Ltd, Luckyland Biscuit Manufacturers, Radiant Confectioners
(Pvt) Ltd, Maxies & Company (Pvt) Ltd, NCG Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Overseas Automotive (Pvt) Ltd, Rhino Roofing Products Ltd, Ruhunu Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Sun Match Company (Pvt) Ltd, Ellawala Horticulture (Pvt) Ltd, Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd

For more information, please visit jitf.Ik or jitf@saexhibitions.com.