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Developed nations seek anti-Covid clothing from Sri Lanka; but priority for Lanka’s requirements
Some developed nations are canvassing Sri Lankan manufacturers to sell them personal protection equipment (PPE), including the full-body polythene gown, despite Sri Lanka also being desperately short of the gear.
The requests—which have also been made to some of Sri Lanka’s missions abroad—come amidst strict controls around the world, including in India, Britain and the United States, on the export of PPEs owing to a global shortage.
“Some Western missions are asking but our preference has been to supply locally,” a senior apparel industry source said. “In any case, the export would have to be approved by the BOI (Board of Investment) and it is very strict. What little everyone is doing is for the domestic market.”
The items sought include surgical gloves, garments and masks, the source said. He did not wish to be named. Sri Lanka apparel manufacturers have started producing masks and gowns from locally available polythene and other raw material, to name a few.
The British Government now requires manufacturers and distributors to obtain an export licence for PPEs. In deciding whether to grant clearance, it will be considered whether “the proposed export does not threaten the need for PPE within the UK and the EU”.
There have been some orders for non-surgical products which Sri Lankan manufacturers could cater to and are eager to secure, the source said.
“We will go for export approvals later, after the local demand is catered to,” he maintained. “Right now, manufacturers are also working with a diminished workforce. We feel a lot of factories will try to make these items later.”
It was not immediately clear who meets the cost of PPEs supplied locally—whether they are paid for or granted pro bono. Certain donations are also directed by the Government’s COVID-19 Task Force to factories so they can be used for PPE production. The process has been fast-tracked as official procurement procedure takes time.
“At the moment, there is more demand than supply,” the industry source said. “If the Government feels, down the road, that it will be good to have some export, it can be considered. Right now, the Health Ministry is struggling.”
A British High Commission spokesperson said that the UK is engaging companies and governments around the world on the need for a collective response to the coronavirus, including the importance of industry scaling-up to meet the global demand for medical equipment.
“We hope that Sri Lankan manufacturers will be able to develop new products to meet both local demand and be able to export their products,” he said. “We are not currently aware of any exports of personal protective equipment from Sri Lanka to the UK.”
“The United States is only seeking to purchase items in excess of Sri Lanka’s needs,” a US Embassy spokesperson said. “As always, worker safety in the manufacture of such supplies remains paramount to both our countries, and we welcome the efforts of government and industry leaders to ensure appropriate social distancing.”
The US and other countries are working with the Sri Lankan Government and the private sector to support production of medical supplies for use worldwide, she also said.