Local and international events to mark SLAP's golden jubilee

by Elmo Leonard

The Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) will mark its golden jubilee, early August, with a series of local and international events, in Colombo.

Australia stood down, for the 8th Forum of Asian Pacific Graphic Art Technology (FAGAT) to be held in Colombo, from August 3-5. With it, Sri Lanka becomes the first country in South Asia to hold the event, SLAP president, Keerthi Gunawardana told the media. The FAGAT membership comprises Australia, China, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

FAGAT 2006, themed, 'Get Connected' underscores a FAGAT objective. It will be attended by 250 delegates from member nations, SLAP 2nd vice president, Dinesh Kulatunge said.

FAGAT was initiated by Japan Association of Graphic Art Technology in 1996. Among its objectives are the facilitation and exchange of printing technologies. Promoting the development of the printing industry in Asian countries. Also, the internationalisation of printing relations, among member countries. FAGAT also aims at providing a platform for the exchange of information on the developments in the printing industry in leading Asian markets.

This body is also a forum through which the region's printing industry draws the attention of its leaders to issues concerning the industry, Print City chairman, Neomal Fernando said.

SLAP will hold its annual Print 2006, exhibition and bi-annual trade exhibition on print technology, equipment, accessories and ancillary services from August 3-6. A Print City will be among the exhibits, with a modern printing press depicting a printing shop shelf. Printing machines of the past will also be on display, Fernando said.

SLAP has 350 members. Print 2006 is expected to be attended by an estimated 4,000 people in the industry and have 200 stalls. A large consignment of regional printing establishments from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries are also expected to participate, Print 2006, chairman, Chamika Senanayake said.

SLAP began in 1956 with the objective of developing and protecting the printing industry under the socio-economic transition the nation underwent at the time. In later years, its direction changed to building goodwill, industrial and trade matters, as a service among members.

The SLAP membership prides itself on indirect exports, by way of printed cartons, tea bags, labels and the like, extending to all exported packages, which add value to exports. Direct exports of printing, are also expected to increase, with India and Pakistan becoming more expensive as printers, while duty on imports of paper has now been taken out.

The SLAP membership is agitating for further liberalisation of printing material and machinery, for the nation to be export competitive, SLAP, secretary, Ms. Dharani Karunaratne said.

SLAPs annual Print Awards 2006 will be held at the BMICH. The judges will be foreigners, ensuring impartiality. Among the print awards will be Sri Lanka Master Printers Award, for the company who wins the most awards and the highest points at the competition.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be made to distinguished people who have contributed exemplarily to the printing industry during their lifetime, and retired from their jobs.

For the first time, newspaper companies are invited to participate in broadsheet and tabloid newspapers. The requirement will be three copies each of newspapers printed on three different days during the year.