Industries Ministry to develop comprehensive rubber database

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) will develop a comprehensive database on the country’s rubber sector. “The first trade focused national rubber survey of this nature, is an attempt to comprehend the rubber industry in the country”, said Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce Asitha Seneviratne. MIC has identified the rubber products manufacturing industry as one of the thrust areas for development in SME development.

The Government has reiterated the importance of the rubber industry as a primary contributor to industrial development and export income, while generating high quality employment”, Seneviratne said. Sri Lanka imported raw rubber to the value of $ 101 m in 2010 and to the value of $ 105 m from January to July this year. Last year, Sri Lanka exported rubber in raw form to the value of $ 170 m and rubber finished products to the value of $ 567 m.

“The first step towards it is a full scale rubber manufacturing industry survey in Sri Lanka. The results from the survey and database will become input towards design methodology, survey tools and the implementation plan for the subsequent comprehensive workforce survey”, said Director (Development, Division 2) Epa Dayarathne.

“We are now looking for a consultancy firm”, said Dayarathne. According to Dayarathne, eligible firms are invited to indicate their interest in providing the services.

Interested firms are requested to provide information regarding eligibility including company profile, experience in similar tasks, availability of appropriate skills and expertise.

“The selected firm is expected to develop a comprehensive database and to design, develop and conduct a pilot workforce survey for the rubber manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka.

Expression of Interest including all requested information must be delivered not later than November 21, Dayarathne said.

Explaining Sri Lanka’s rubber industry Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen announced in Parliament on September 21: “As the world’S 7th largest natural rubber producing country, Sri Lanka offers many types and grades of rubber such as RSS, pale crepe, sole crepe, technically specified rubber and specialty rubber.

Sri Lanka’s rubber products are exported to markets such as Europe and USA and do not have any problem in adhering to international standards.

The range of products covers industrial products such as solid tyres, auto components, conveyor belts, hoses and tubes, while latex based products include industrial, household and surgical gloves.

General rubber products include, doormats, rubber bands, sports goods, footwear and footwear components.”