A ceramics expert has called on Sri Lanka’s industry to explore methods of reducing the cost of energy by introducing new systems and alternative energies in a bid to compete better internationally.
“The ceramic industry is badly affected due to the high cost of energy. 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 and alternative energies are a must,” Sri Lanka Ceramics Council (SLCC) Chairman Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya told the Business Times on the sidelines of the SLCC Annual General Meeting held this week.
Speaking at the AGM where he was re-elected for another term, he said that so far this industry has sustained through its marketability, product innovation, improving the productivity, exploring niche markets, introduction of latest technology and winding up of non profitable units.
Trade agreements remove discretion and protectionism does not move anyone forward, Professor Rohan Samarajeeva, Chairman and CEO LirneAsia said, adding to what Mr. Warnakulasooriya mentioned.
Delivering his speech as the chief guest, he said, “Protectionism gives discretion to state agencies (Such as the Board of Investments) and trade policy is too important to be left to the state.”
He also called the authorities to do reforms in an active voice. “There needs to be forward movements (with regard to trade agreements) and (stakeholders) need to lower the barriers,” he added, noting that in the aftermath of the great recession dynamism and energy (with regard to trade) is in Asia. “This is why we need to enhance efficiency and productivity,” he added. |
E-mail
