Consumer groups need encouragement - Jayaweera

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

Consumer groups will spring up soon in Sri Lanka and they should be encouraged, Federation of Chamber of Commerce(FCCISL) Chairman Tissa Jayaweera said.

Delivering the key note address at National Cleaner Production Awards 2010 in Colombo, he said enterprises in Sri Lanka are still comfortable as it is still not a consumer demand driven market and there are no organized consumer groups.

But as global market demands are heavy and complex, consumers impose pressure in demand driven markets.

Consumers have formed consumer protection societies in the developed world, and make an impact on product reaching consumer.

Consumers are very vigilant and conscious about quality and environment impact of the products they purchase.

It may be bad news for producers. But it is a blessing in disguise. Today Sri Lanka’s apparel is world renowned and in great demand due to the pressure from buyers. Producers should not respond to buyer pressure but be prepared and be ahead of consumer demands,” he said.

Jayaweera said consumer demands are not only increasing for quality, price and delivery. Consumers of today are demanding good environmental practices and corporate social responsibility.

People of developing countries blame and condemn developed countries for exploiting natural resources, requesting us to tighten our belts and halt development. But it is unfair for them to impose stringent market barriers such as environmental compliance and social responsibility although it is true that they exploited the natural resources.

It is time Sri Lanka set up a National Innovation Council and develop a commercial interface to transfer developed technologies for practical application in industry and commerce, Jayaweera said.