Local ceramic industry achieves global recognition - ADB Country Rep

"Sri Lanka's ceramic industry has achieved global recognition. Though it contributes a small component of global demand, it has made its mark in the world market," said the chief guest ADB Country Representaive Rita O'Sullivan.

From left: Dr. Jagath Peiris, Sunil Wijesinha, Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya, Ms. Rita O'Sullivan, Mahendra Jayasekera, Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya and Niranjan Jayawickrama.

She was addressing the ninth Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Ceramics Council affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

She said that the industry is facing many challenges that require solid solutions to remain competitive and protect and expand the market share.

Managing Director of Resource Management Associates (Pvt) Ltd Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya delivered the keynote address.

At the AGM, the newly elected president Mahendra Jayasekera emphasised the need of involving the small and medium scale ceramics manufacturing and related companies in the activities of the council without leaving it only to the large manufacturing companies that have hitherto been in the forefront of the council.

He also said the importers of the ceramic products should be involved since they play a decisive role in determining the future of the industry.

It was also revealed that the council will change its name to Sri Lanka Ceramic and Glass Council in the near future.

The new Committee of SLACC for 2012/2013 are President - Mahendra Jayasekera, Managing Director, Lanka Walltile PLC/Lanka Floortiles PLC, Vice President - Dr. Jagath Peiris, representing Royal Fernwood Porcelain Ltd., Secretary - Niranjan Jayawickrama, representing Lanka Walltiles PLC, Assistant Secretary - Sanjay Tiwari, representing Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC, Treasurer - Otoyo Nakanishi, representing Noritake Lanka Porcelain (Pvt) Ltd. Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya, Chairman/ Managing Director of Midaya Ceramic Co, Ltd, will serve on the Board of Management as the Immediate Past President. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is the Secretariat of the Sri Lanka Ceramics Council.