‘Developing plantation industry vital’

Shirley WIJESINGHE

Uplifting the local plantation industry is the sole solution for the present global economic crisis, said Plantation Industries Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

The Minister added that the present progressive level gained by the local rubber industry is mainly due to the collective effort and devotion of the rubber farmers and other stakeholders of the industry.

He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Centennial Rubber Conference in Sri Lanka on the theme on “Development of Natural Rubber Industry Through Empowerment of Stakeholders” held at the Colombo Hilton Hotel recently. The role of Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) in the development of Sri Lanka is really magnificent and the main reason for the qualitative local rubber products, Minister said.

Sri Lanka’s natural rubber was able to enter the world market with a reputation for quality which helped to earn substantial foreign exchange, Jayaratne stressed.

Highlighting the history of rubber plantation of the country, Minister Jayaratne said the rubber plantation today covers a total area of 120,000 hectares with a work force of more than 500,000. In 2008 , export earnings amounted to Rs. 72,000 million despite its small scale beginnings. “We have a clear vision for the future of the rubber industry.” Minister continued