With the objective of preserving the traditional value of palmyrah resources, expanding market opportunities for palmyrah-based products, and strengthening the economic advancement of palmyrah producers, the “Katpaham” – Palmyrah-Based Products Procurement and Sales Centre of the Palmyrah Development Board was officially opened at the Market Building Complex, Neduntheevu Centre, on 28 August 2026 at 10.30 a.m.
The ceremony was held under the leadership of Mr. R. Raveenthiran, Chairman of the Palmyrah Development Board. Hon. K. Ilankumaran, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Neduntheevu Divisional Coordinating Committee, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. N. Prabhakaran, Divisional Secretary of Neduntheevu, participated as the Special Guest, while Mr. S. Sathiyavarathan, Chairman of the Neduntheevu Pradeshiya Sabha, and Mr. K. Nandakumar, Chairman of the Neduntheevu Palmyrah and Coconut Resources Development Cooperative Society, attended as Guests of Honour.
In addition, key representatives of the area, officials of the Palmyrah Development Board, palmyrah-based producers, representatives of the cooperative sector, and members of the public participated in the opening ceremony.
The newly established “Katpaham” Procurement and Sales Centre is expected to function as an important commercial hub providing sustainable market opportunities for a wide range of products manufactured in Neduntheevu and surrounding areas, including palmyrah-based food products, value-added products, and handicrafts. In particular, the Centre will facilitate the procurement of quality products directly from local palmyrah producers and make them available to consumers, thereby strengthening market linkages between producers and consumers.
The Centre is also expected to play an important role in promoting local palmyrah-based entrepreneurs, improving the livelihoods of small and medium-scale producers, enhancing value addition in palmyrah products, and expanding sustainable economic activities based on palmyrah resources. The opening of the “Katpaham” Sales Centre in Neduntheevu marks another significant milestone in the development initiatives of the Palmyrah Development Board.
Through such market expansion initiatives, the Palmyrah Development Board continues to create improved market opportunities for palmyrah-based producers while contributing to the sustainable development of the palmyrah sector and the national economy.
