Sri Lanka a global hub for manufacturing Rigid Tyres – Industries Minister

Industries and Plantation Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that Sri Lanka has become the global hub for manufacturing Rigid Tyres and thanked the Sri Lanka manufacturers including those who are in collaboration with international partners.

The minister made this revelation addressing researchers, scientists and industrial stakeholders who attended the ‘Rubber, Plastic and Fiber based Industry related innovations and research presentation and networking forum’ held at Waters Edge Hotel on Wednesday (27).

Dr. Pathirana said that the Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and industrialists had done well even at the time the country was short of fuel, electricity, gas and even short of raw materials as the public had accepted the Government decision to prioritize the industrial sector.

The export income in 2021 was US$ 12.5billion and in 2022 US$ 13.1billion, he added. The Minister said that Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is leading the way and has come out with innovative products such as the textile material produced in Sri Lanka which relieves menstrual pain.

He also pointed out that the global tea market had become stagnant as most of the tea drinking countries were going through turbulent times in their civil lives and their economic powers have dropped.

The forum was organised by the Ministry of Industries with the collaboration of Education, Universities and Research Institutions.