Systematic program vital to meet timber demand

by L.S.A. Wedaarachchi

A systematic plantation program should be implemented immediately to meet the future timber demand of the country. Commercial timber has a big demand as a building material and it is increasing due to its environmental friendliness.

General Manager - Good Wood Lanka (Pvt) ltd Indrajith de Silva said that the country's timber resources are depleting sharply and it will sufficient only for ten years. Unless new timber plantation projects are implemented, the country may face a severe shortage of timber, he said.

"Even at present large-scale construction industrialists use imported timber such as Kempas and Balau, from Malaysia. Although a few decades ago ebony and satin were used for construction they are not available today, he said. Only a few varieties such as Jak, Palu, Halmilla, Kiriabiliya and Gammalu Vavarana are available in rural areas.

These are being used by rural house builders. This type of timber too will be depleted in a few years, he said. Good Wood Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is specialising in the manufacture of high end reproduction furniture for reputed overseas buyers. According to the GM, they mainly use tropical wood such as Mahogany, Teak, Kumbuk and Paramara to manufacture furniture.

"Sri Lanka's Mahogany timber is one of the best in the world. Sri Lanka's orange coloured Mahogany furniture has a high demand in the international market, he said.

Under the reforestation program of the Government, the Forest Department and the private sector plantation development companies are engaged in teak and Mahogany replantations. The maturity period for teak and Mahogany is fifteen to twenty years.

Goodwood Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was set up as a BOI company to manufacture and design wooden furniture and joinery for the local and export market.

The operational facilities consist of a large factory built on a four-acre land in Panadura.

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