Business

We become importers or manufacturers depending on govt policy: industrialists

Published

6 years ago

2021/01/27

From left: SLCGC Vice President Aravinda Perera, SLCGC Vice President Mahendra Jayasekera, SLGCC president Anura Warnakulasooriya and SLCGC Member S.H.B. Karunaratne

SL Customs ‘text book’ not in line with President’s vision on Production Economy, they say

by Sanath Nanayakkare

A leading local ceramics products manufacturer and member of Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council told the media recently that their members choose to become manufacturers or importers depending on the policy of the government of the day.

“If we find it more profitable to import and sell due to policy decisions, we import. If we see the policy environment in Sri Lanka is conducive to manufacturing locally, we manufacture. We interchange our roles according to policy framework of the government”, he said.

Member of Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council S.H. B. Karunaratne whose company’s product range is exported to about 47 countries made these remarks while speaking at a press conference organised by the Council to voice a ‘major weakness’ in Sri Lanka Customs’ Valuation Book which ‘unfairly’ favours importers of ceramic bathware, glass ware and allied products making things hard for local manufacturers.

“We do believe in free trade which is a two-way street and we can successfully face competition offered by foreign products. But the current valuation for invoicing by Sri Lanka Customs is so skewed and heavily favours importers and doesn’t create a level playing for competent local manufacturers who have invested heavily in the industry. This is not fair and it needs to be rectified,” he said.

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s national policy framework of Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour has created a conducive environment for local production, therefore, we are encouraged to remain as manufacturers”.

“Some social media posts claim that only Rocell makes bathroom sets in Sri Lanka and they produce their goods for individuals of upper-income class and big projects. The truth is not only Rocell but Auto Bathware, RSL Ceramics, Hega, Embilipitiya Ceramics also make complete bathroom sets on a bigger scale and several other companies on a smaller scale. That’s why there was no scarcity of products despite the ban on imports.. Our manufacturers are not producing 100% of the local market requirement. But because of the government’s policy, we have planned to invest Rs.2-3 billion in the near term. With these investments our 60% local production would increase to100% and we will be self-sufficient in ceramic products in two years. And we have our own transparent pricing system to make sure local consumers have access to local products of good quality at affordable prices according to their choice”.

“The main issue that discourages potential manufacturers and existing national manufacturers is that the Customs valuation book value for imported items is at a low and unrealistic rate. To import a complete set of ceramic bathware which weighs 65kgs and includes a commode, tank, basin, pedestal, seat cover and water fitting, the book value for invoicing stands at US$35.00 or Rs.6,350. This is an unrealistic amount as a complete set of ceramic bathware cannot be manufactured at such a low cost, because to purchase the seat cover and water fitting alone it costs Rs. 3,500”.

Suggesting a solution to the issue he said,” This issue can be corrected by amending the Custom’s ‘text book’ value to US$100. Once this is amended local manufacturers will be able to compete with imports and it will also prevent cheap inferior quality items being dumped in our country. And this will also help to stop the huge outflow of foreign exchange.

“Once this book value is amended to $100, the importers and local manufactures will have to compete on a level playing field, and this will in turn benefit the consumer as they can get a competitive price”.

When asked if their members have voiced their concern with the authorities on the ‘unfair’ valuation method by Sri Lanka Customs, Karunaratne said that they would be meeting Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss the matter at an upcoming meeting.

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Business

Rs 160 million + diesel discrepancy at Lakvijaya power plant prompts probe

Published

24 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai.

By Ifham Nizam

A Rs.160 million-plus diesel discrepancy at the Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai has triggered an internal investigation, raising questions over the handling of public funds and the controls governing fuel purchased for electricity generation.

The discrepancy surfaced during an internal audit of diesel supplied to the plant from the Kolonnawa and Sapugaskanda fuel terminals, according to senior officials familiar with the inquiry.

The audit has identified five transactions—two in December 2025 and three in January 2026—in which diesel recorded as delivered to the plant allegedly could not be fully accounted for in its physical stocks.

The investigation is now examining whether these were isolated discrepancies or part of a longer-running practice.

One transaction under scrutiny relates to January 16, when records reportedly showed that 10 diesel bowsers had arrived at the plant. Investigators subsequently found indications that the fuel stock corresponded to only nine bowsers.

A storekeeper responsible for the relevant fuel operation has reportedly been temporarily removed from those duties pending the investigation.

A senior official said investigators were reviewing historical records amid indications that similar discrepancies may have occurred over a longer period. If established, the financial exposure could therefore exceed the Rs.160 million currently identified.

The investigation is comparing fuel-terminal dispatch records, tanker movements, plant-entry records, receiving documents and physical stocks to establish exactly how much fuel was dispatched, received and accounted for.

That audit trail will also be critical in determining who authorised, received and certified the disputed consignments, and whether established controls were followed.

Relevant documents were reportedly transferred from Norochcholai to the company’s Colombo head office on September 26 for further examination, with electricity-sector security personnel assisting in the transfer.

The internal audit has also reportedly uncovered expired chemical stocks worth several hundred thousand rupees in the plant’s stores. Investigators are examining whether further inventory-management irregularities occurred.

The matter was also reportedly taken to the Puttalam Police Special Crimes Investigation Unit on September 26.

When contacted by Puttalam-based journalist Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe for The Island Financial Review, Lakvijaya Power Plant Manager Nalaka Kumara confirmed that an investigation was under way but declined to provide further details.

The financial issue is direct: if the plant paid for diesel it did not receive, public-sector funds were spent without the electricity sector receiving the corresponding fuel.

Business

Sri Lanka Food Processors Association holds 29th Annual General Meeting

Published

24 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organizations, the event served as a platform to review milestone achievements from the 2025/2026 term and outline strategic priorities for the nation’s food and beverage processing sector.

At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2027/2028 was appointed, comprising: Honorary President Aruna Senanayake C.W. Mackie PLC Imme. Past President Thusith Wijesinghe Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.

President Elect Nadishan Guruge Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.

1st Vice President Damitha Perera Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brockers (Pvt) Ltd.

2nd Vice President Rasika Seneviratne Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC 3rd Vice President Deepal De Alwis Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Secretary Amila Weerasinghe Nestle Lanka Limited.

Asst. SecretaryDineth Alahakoon Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.

Honorary Treasurer Sameera Jayathilaka Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Asst. Treasurer Niroshan Dalpethado C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited. In addition to the above office bearers, the following ten Executive Committee Members were appointed:

Sanjeewa De Silva Unilever Sri Lanka Limited Sheran De Alwis MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Limited

Thusitha Ekanayake Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd.

Vijitha Govinna Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara International Commodity Exports (Pvt) Ltd.

Sanjeewa Niroshan SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Kushan Amarasinghe Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Rangajeewa Hettiarrachchi Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Harindra Abeyrathna Vision Technologies International (Pvt) Ltd. Thilina Weerasekara Ceylon Cold Stores PLC

The event was proudly supported by key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. joined as Gold Sponsors, Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima as the Silver Sponsor, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd., supported as Bronze Sponsors.

The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hony. Secretary Deepal De Alwis, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.

Business

Uber brings the ‘business class of back seats’ to Sri Lanka with Uber Black

Published

24 hours ago

2026/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

New premium ride option expands Uber’s portfolio from affordable Moto and Tuk rides to premium on-demand travel

Uber announced the launch of Uber Black in Sri Lanka, bringing its premium ride experience to the country for the first time. Designed as the “business class of back seats,” Uber Black combines premium vehicles and highly-rated drivers for riders looking for greater comfort, quality and a more elevated travel experience.

The launch comes as demand for premium products and experiences grows across Sri Lanka, with consumers seeking greater choice and quality in their everyday experiences. Uber Black brings this choice to on-demand mobility, whether for an airport journey, an important business meeting, a special occasion or simply when riders want to travel in greater comfort.