Dutch experts here for economic development help

Sarath Malalasekera

Three PUM Experts from Netherlands arrived in Sri Lanka last week to assist Sri Lankan industrialists and support the country's economic development.

Netherlands PUM local representative S.P.C. Kumarasinghe said the three PUM Netherlands Senior Experts are Theo Dekker (Harbour Management), M. Broekhuizen (Energy Management) and Hank de Groot (a furniture specialist).

PUM Netherlands have assisted several industries manufacturing for exports from Sri Lanka including anthurium cultivation, Asparagus cultivation, dairy industry, Milk processing and manufacture of cheese, plastic decorative ornaments, Knitted garments, Tuna fish processing, rubber products, growing of button mushrooms, Paints and pastel industry, Kumarasinghe said.

More experts will arrive in Sri Lanka this year to assist the fishery harbour management, plastic products manufacture, bakery products, coconut milk products, dairy industry, installation of new milk and yoghurt processing line, energy management and environmentally friendly production systems in desiccated coconut manufacture, cleaning product, animal feed productions, furniture making, hotel management and Vocational training, Kumarasinghe said.

Kumarasinghe emphasised that every year the Netherlands Government sends volunteer experts through the "PUM Netherlands Senior Experts" program on request from local industries needing technical assistance.

Kumarasinghe said wherever necessary, PUM will provide training in the Netherlands to local applicants.

The PUM have offered training in the Netherlands to over 100 local technical staff, he added.

PUM Netherlands Senior Experts have assisted over 400 industries in Sri Lanka during the past 15 years. PUM Netherlands Senior Experts have appointed additional representative S.G. Punchihewa to cover entire Sri Lanka.