Timber Corp to boost revenue by strengthening security

The State Timber Corporation which earned a profit of Rs. 2 billion last year, the highest after 40 years will increase its revenue this year by strengthening security in all its sites, said Chairman, State Timber Corporation, Chandana Haputhanthri.

He said though poaching and illicit felling of trees did not have a major impact on the revenue it posed a great threat to the environment and security of its personnel.

The State Timber Corporation has come under severe criticism for its poor security measures to curb illicit felling of trees and corruption in distribution.

Haputhanthri said the Corporation has intensified its security with trained flying squads to arrest wrong-doers and bring them to book. We will impose a heavy penalty on the culprits and ensure that the loss will be minimised.

The Corporation which earned a profit of Rs. 1.8 billion in 2006 targets a profit of Rs. 2.5 billion this year with value added products. The annual timber production caters only to nine per cent of the local demand.

"We will focus on value added products and move away from selling timber in log form which will help us to increase our revenue. Unlike in the past there is a great demand for finished products today", he said.

He said new machinery and production lines will be installed and new marketing avenues will be looked into to enhance profits.

The distribution network will be improved to minimise waste and check corruption.

The Corporation has 650 hectares of cultivated land except for the North and steps have been taken to cultivate teak in the East. While Eucalyptus Grandees is used to build sleepers, Eucalyptus Micro Koris is used for other construction purposes.

- LF