Six tsunami hit SMEs secure orders at Serendib 2006

by Elmo Leonard

Six small scale manufacturers of consumer durables from the south, victims of the Asian tsunami, secured initial orders after participating in the Serendib 2006, Sri Lanka Trade Exhibition, held in Covent Gardens, London from June 21-23.

These SMEs sold their exhibits valued at Sterling Pounds 1,842 and other sales made up Sterling Pounds 652.

The six are among 7,415 "livelihoods and enterprises" categorised, who were 'resurrected', under the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISLs) 'back to business project.'

The six enterprises now have their products sold in London, by Lace and Butterflies Ltd, 61 Ruthland Park Mansions, London. They have also secured initial orders from other London based dealers, FCCISL president, Nawaz Rajabdeen said. It is hoped that as their sales increase, these enterprises will grow to meet the needs of more sophisticated buyers.

Initially, FCCISL assisted these SMEs to get back to business, then, afforded them the chance to compete at the IMEXPRO international exhibition held in Colombo in March this year, FCCISL vice president, Tissa Jayaweera said. At that stage, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) selected these enterprises to compete in London. "This is our first step towards developing 25 'back to business' enterprises to compete internationally, FCCISL director, Sam Stembo said.

The six Sri Lankan ventures which made up the 'Rising from Tsunami' pavilion, in London are: Thilini Lace and Kanthi Lace, Galle, two leading manufacturers of lace in the south. Thilini has orders based on sales and others on silk thread lace.

Pilsini, Galle, produces handloom fabric items such as bags, soft toys, purses, clothes and table linen. Pilsini, has received inquiries on many products, according to its proprietor. The owners of the other enterprises also met the press in Colombo.

Visiki Art Gallery, Galle, among other orders, has one to paint a hotel in London, amounting to Sterling Pounds 5,000. Also, to paint a hotel in Kuruwita, Sri Lanka. Southern Ceramics, Tangalla and Tissamaharama has an order for 500 beer mugs per month for 12 months, at Sterling Pounds 0.8 per mug.