Kandurata Umbrella Industries turns 39

by Jayamparthy Jayasinghe

Kandurata Umbrella Industries (Pvt) Ltd., celebrated its 30th anniversary at a function in Colombo recently. From its humble beginnings the Kandurata Umbrella Industries had grown to be a premier umbrella manufacturing industry in the country employing 750 persons. The industry was founded by the late M. H. M. Thajudeen as a cottage industry in the hill capital in 1977, employing 10 persons.

Under the stewardship of M. H. M. Siddeek, Kandurata Umbrella Industries set up two state of the art factories at Kadugannawa and Gampola producing 12,000 umbrellas a day, under the Penguin brand. The industry also manufactures umbrellas for various sectors of the market. The company also manufactures umbrella components at Elugoda. The company has diversified in to other businesses such as manufacturing mosquito nets and raincoats.

Chairman, Mawbima Lanka Foundation A. Wickrama presented the Sooriyasingha Certificate to the company.

Minister of Industrial Development, Kumara Welgama, the Chief Guest said the government's policy was to encourage the local industry. He was glad that a local industry held 60 per cent of the market share for umbrellas in the country.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said the Kandurata Umbrella Industry which began producing 77 umbrellas a day was producing 12,000 umbrellas, which was a great achievement for a local industry. Unlike some imported umbrellas, the locally manufactured umbrellas could be used during both rain and sun.

The local industry must be opened to the world, but the partnership should be on a 50 per cent basis, he said.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena, UNP MP said an umbrella was a symbol of the common man. Everyone in his village was seen carrying an umbrella irrespective of the weather conditions. Pride of place has to be given to the local industry, he said.