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. |