Top productivity expert here

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board will bring down world renowned productivity balancer Paul Collyer, Senior Consultant of International Apparel and Consultancy, UK.

He will be conducting two 10-day programs and for each participant - the cost is Rs. 55,000. Both programs conceptualised by the EDB has been over subscribed and hence Collyer has consented to come back in September for two more programs. Sri Lankan textile and garment exports have touched Rs.46.7 billion as at end February 2005 (which is 48% of the total export value) at a growth of 13%. However, one of the key issues the industry is facing is how to improve productivity.

Apart from local apparel companies, leading apparel organisations like MAS Linea Acqua is also going through the hands of Paul Collyer. Paul Collyer says " if we can improve our apparel productivity by 10%, we can fight the price competitiveness from countries like China", Chairman, EDB Rohantha Athukorala said "apart from fighting on price through productivity improvement, we need to find another way of differentiating Sri Lankan manufactured products which will have benefits to the total export industry.