SLHB to rejuvenate Katubedda carpentry workshop

by Irangika Range

The Sri Lanka Handicraft Board (SLHB) will set up new machinery investing Rs. 9 million to increase the manufacturing of furniture in its carpentry workshop, in Katubedda, Moratuwa.

The SLHB has targeted to create more self-employment opportunities in the carpentry industry through this programme.

SLHB's Chairperson Somakumari Tennakoon told the Daily News this is another initiative of the Ministry of Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion to modernise and develop its organisations to make them profitable institutions.

"We have especially considered the local product manufacturing sector to increase its contribution to drive the national economy. This would double the present productivity of the carpentry workshop, which was inefficient for the past few years,"she said.

With the installation of this high technical machinery at the workshop, it will manufacture quality and stylish furniture to the market using modern trends which will be able to compete with the private sector. The SLHB expects to sell the furniture through Laksala branches islandwide.

"Furniture would be manufactured considering domestic requirements and government bodies' requirements.

It is also proposed to double its training of carpenters and training programmes commencing shortly. The SLHB expects to conduct skills development programmes by educating them on using of new technology, direct marketing, modern designing and trends to manufacture high quality furniture.