14 per cent export growth last year, says Prof. G.L. Peiris

Sri Lanka has achieved a 14 per cent growth in the export sector last year under trying circumstances and in specific areas such as the export of rubber and paper products and gems there have been a phenomenal 70 per cent growth, Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said at a public gathering at the Polonnaruwa Divisional Secretariat where Rs. Five million was distributed among exotic fish exporters based in the Polonnaruwa District to upgrade their industry.

He said the strongest element in the Sri Lankan economy was its export sector and it has helped Sri Lanka to earn foreign exchange on a large-scale even under negative conditions in the World Market.

Pointing out that the per capita income in the country has risen, Prof. Peiris said that export income could be utilised to further improve it.

Such factors as the geographical location of Sri Lanka soil and climatic conditions of different areas and even the social habits of a particular area have to be taken into account before a suitable industry could be earmarked for a certain part of the country, the Minister said.

“Thus the Tambuttegama area has been identified for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables while Hambantota, Kolonne and Embilitiptiya areas have been found suitable for palmyra h leaf packages, kitul industry and cultivation of bananas,” Prof. Peiris said.

Prof. Peiris also highlighted the need for capital to advance this industry and acknowledged the difficulties faced by investors, specially the small `and medium-scale businessmen, due to high interest rates. He thanked the Government of the Netherlands for providing funds and thanked the National Chamber of Commerce for their assistance.

Agriculture and Agricultural Services Minister Maithreepala Sirisena highlighted the fact that Sri Lanka imported 60 per cent of all consumer goods though only 20 per cent of the total could not be produced in this country.

He said as the Agriculture Minister, his efforts were to reduce the import of agricultural products into the country by growing as much as possible here.