Boost for Lankan coir industry
Giving a new boost to Sri Lanka's geo-textile industry and Sri
Lanka's standing as world's largest exporter of coir fibre, a top US
government agency has cleared the way for Sri Lankan made geo-textiles
for two projects. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
waived its restrictions on use of foreign coir mats in the US for Sri
Lankan mats. The general restrictions for foreign coir mats have been
imposed under the 'Buy American requirements' but the US has
specifically allowed Sri Lankan mats for two selected projects.
The US EPA has allowed Sri Lankan and Indian made coir mats to be
used in two riverbank restoration projects in Ohio.
The project specific waivers are extended to the Bear Creek
Restoration Project in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, and the Laurel Creek
Restoration Project in Twinsburg, Ohio.
"This is a project-specific waiver and only applies to the use of
thespecified product for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA) funded projects being proposed.
The coir woven mats under consideration are manufactured in India and
Sri Lanka and meet the projects' technical specifications and
requirements" the US EPA said.
The Bear Creek is a tributary to Wood Creek river and its banks are
facing erosion. The Bear Creek project in Warrensville Heights, Ohio
aims, among others, to restore 1,600 feet of Bear Creek riverbank using
a 2-stage channel design and bio elements to combat high storm water
velocities. The significant erosion in the stream has affected the
Clarkwood Parkway which is close to the road. Clarkwood School is also
located nearby and City buses provide transportation for the students
which drive over this location daily causing concern for the roadway
integrity and the safety of the public.
The project, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, aims at restoring the
impacted tributary stream.
"This shows the high quality of our coir-mats" said Minister of
Industry and Commerce,Rishad Bathiudeen. "New technology infusion to our
coir sector can greatly enhance our coir appeal in the competitive
global marketplace.
I am pleased to announce that an MoU between the University of
Moratuwa and my Ministry of Industry and Commerce to support new coir
machinery development processes has been signed on January 5. I also
handed over Rs.1.25 million in additional financing to Department of
Electrical Engineering of the Moratuwa University on January 5 to
further develop the already successful coir automation machinery
developed by the University with the assistance of Ministry of Industry
and Commerce with initial financing in 2010 of only Rs.0.49 million"
Minister Bathiudeen said.
The Sri Lankan coir fibre used as inputs for many products, is one of
the most sought after natural fibre products in the world. Sri Lanka
produces 35percent of the world's natural coir output.
Almost all the coir fibre produced here are natural with no synthetic
fibre produced. 90% of coir exports arein raw form. The raw coir is
exported to UK, France, Germany, India and China.
The raw coir has the advantage of duty free entry for our coir export
destinations but finished coir products exported are levied with various
duties at the import country's end.
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