Rs.192 m saved on school uniform material imports

Irangika Range

COLOMBO: The Government has been able to save foreign exchange amounting to around Rs. 192 million by manufacturing all school uniform material locally doing away with imports from China.

Textile Industry Development Minister Jayatissa Ranaweera told the Daily News that the drain on foreign exchange due to direct imports from China was very high amounting to a staggering Rs. 764 million.

"But if we manufacture school uniforms locally, the foreign exchange involvement is only Rs.571 million. Hence it is the cheapest option," he said.

This would vastly improve the local textile manufacturing industry creating a fresh demand for textiles in the local market. The foreign exchange thus saved would remain in the country and could be invested towards improving the local textile industry, the Minister said.

In addition they would be able to create over 20,000 direct and indirect employment in the textile industry, he said.

Local companies have been involved in the manufacture of textiles for shirting, costumes, white trouser and blue trouser material.

"We also manufacture uniform material for the Armed Forces, police personnel, Dhamma school teachers and prisoners," Ranaweera said.

The requirement of school uniforms material for this year have been completely manufactured last year. This year's manufacturing process is progressing smoothly to meet next year's demand. This has revived the local textile manufacturing industry.