News
Furniture importers request govt. to allow importation of quality merchandise
… say their imported goods are ‘no threat’ to local industries
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Nawaal Qasim, Chairman of Office Chairs and Furniture Importers Association while congratulating the government on containing the Covid-19 epidemic, urged it to lift the import restrictions that affected the furniture importers.
Qasim said in a brief interview with The Island: “The association has 16 companies which have employed 5,000 people direct and a larger work force depends on it indirectly. If the current import suspension continues, they will lose their livelihoods as we can’t afford to keep them in our employ. At the same time, the business owners will also suffer when the sustainability of their operations are at stake.
“The import restrictions on our quality merchandise also adversely affect a broad spectrum of allied industries such as architectural companies and construction companies that absolutely require these supplies.
“This type of office seating cannot be manufactured locally due to limited technology, unavailability of required inputs and components within the country. Our products are office chairs and office furniture and there is little or no wood/timber in them, therefore, it poses no threat to local industries. And I would be seriously remiss if I don’t mention that the merchandise customers buy from us are no longer considered a luxury. It’s a must-have for any business or any formal setting,” Nawaal emphasised.
“It does not make sense for any investor to invest in setting up manufacturing plants to produce the merchandise here in Sri Lanka because the domestic market is really small. On the other hand, even if we do make them here, we can’t capture a market share in the global market as mass-scale manufacturers in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, etc., already supply these goods in bulk to the European, American and the UK markets at very competitive prices. So an export market in this sector is not viable”.
“Furthermore, the value of imports of office chairs and furniture to Sri Lanka in 2019-2020 compared to the overall value of imports to the country during the period was negligible. So it has a minimal effect on the outflow of foreign exchange and a more positive impact on the construction industry and allied sectors. We, therefore, request the authorities to consider the above facts and ease the import restriction on office chairs and furniture. If this is done, we can resume our businesses as usual and continue to contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the country,” Nawaal said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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