Marketability sustains ceramic industry

Despite recession and energy cost:

Charumini de Silva

The ceramic industry today faces stiff competition not only from China, but also from Bangladesh and other regional countries Sri Lanka Ceramics Council (SLCC) Chairman Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya said.

“Due to the recession the industry was affected in various loss of foreign exchange. High cost of labour in the country, high production cost, reduction of raw materials, limited mine licences and the withdrawal of the GSP+ concession are other factors that affect the industry,” he said speaking at the Annual General Meeting of SLCC held yesterday.

However, US and Europe being the main markets the industry took steps to ensure the sustainability of the industry in many ways.

The industry sustains through its marketability, product innovation, improving the productivity, exploring niche markets, introduction of latest technology and winding up of non profitable units.

He said there are three key factors that the industry is focusing on where it will help the industrialist to expand their business although the environment is much competitive and challenging.

“It is vital to improve the efforts of utilizing the raw materials to enhance the quality of our products consistently,” he said.

“The ceramic industry was highly affected due to the high cost of energy. Therefore, we need to look into ways and methods of reducing the cost of energy by introducing new systems, alternative energies,” he said.

“As the competition is rising rapidly it is a must to focus on differentiating our products from other ceramic producing countries.”

“It is high time for Sri Lanka to explore into advanced ceramics and create goodwill among the global competitors,” he said.

“With the country aiming higher economic growth we as the SLCC could also do our part in making it a reality. The industry can achieve a better growth and it is important for the industrialists to play an active role to take the industry forward,” he said.