Curtailed food imports will boost export earnings

By Lalin Fernandopulle

The Hambantota port can be built in two years if we stop importing food items and produce them locally. The annual import expenditure of the country is over US$ 1,950 million which is twice as much of the annual export earnings, said Chairman Master Divers and Managing Director Pelwatte Sugar Corporation, Ariyaseela Wickremanayaka.

He said the country's annual export earnings which are around US$ 1,100 million can be increased if the import of food items are curtailed and they could be manufactured locally.

With the surging world market prices and the depreciation of the rupee, imported food items is an added burden on the economy. By importing we do not produce and as a result many are deprived of employment.

Wickremanayaka said milk production will increase if the number of cows slaughtered is reduced and there would be no need to import milk food items.

The country has an abundance of natural resources then why do we import food items which could be produced here. Most of the food items we import could be produced locally because we have the resources and the human capital for it, he said.

Today acres of paddy land are abandoned since farmers cannot obtain a satisfactory price for their produce. The import of costly wheat flour is a major hindrance to farmers to sell their products.

Wickremanayaka who is also the President of the Mawbima Lanka Foundation said locally manufactured products should be promoted and consumers should be encouraged to buy Sri Lankan products.

The Mawbima Lanka Foundation, a non profit organisation was set up to promote Sri Lankan products and services in the local market through the 'Ganna Ape De' logo designed to increase the value of locally produced goods and create a demand for them in the market.

"We have not showcased our products and a concept such as the Ganna Ape De will be a major promotional drive to boost manufacture of local products offering a better price and a competitive market for producers, he said.

The Foundation comprises the Ministry of Industrial Development, Strategic Enterprise Management Agency (SEMA), the Director General of the Inventions Commission and specialised organisations.

To qualify for the Ganna Ape De logo, companies need to meet the accreditation standards. The exports of food products to the European Union should have an accreditation certificate from a recognised institute.

The award of logos which will be held every six months will commence next month.