Six top exporters felicitated
 

Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris last week felicitated six exporters who brought the highest revenue to the Sri Lankan economy. Among them were Loadstar (Pvt) Ltd, Brandix Apparels Ltd, Blue Diamonds Ltd, Smart Shirts Lanka Ltd and Akbar Brothers Ltd.

Loadstar supplies 20% of the world market in solid tyres and operates in 60 countries. The company has 1,700 employees.

Brandix Apparels Ltd earned Rs 21.98 bln as export revenue last year and has adopted itself to the changing circumstances by giving the highest emphasis for training. The company employs 20,000 directly while another 20,000 are employed indirectly.

Blue Diamonds Ltd has infused modern technology to an industry where we don't have the raw materials. In addition the company has made the phrase "Colombo cut" well-known internationally. The company earned Rs. 21 bln as export revenue last year.

Akbar Brothers Ltd, the pioneers in the export of tea earned Rs. 10 bln last year. They export tea to 75 countries.

Smart Shirts Lanka Ltd employs 7,000 and plans to expand operations. The company earned an export revenue of Rs 11 billion.

Omega Line Ltd employs 5,000 and plans to expand operations as well as add value to its operations.

Prof. Peiris told the ceremony that the private sector has rendered a great service. They contribute to all sectors of the economy and are resilient at all times and will seize every opportunity to expand locally or internationally.

He said that even in the Maldives Sri Lankan entrepreneurs have reasonable stakes. This shows the spirit and courage of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and this was the reason we wanted to felicitate the entrepreneurs, he said.