Navin calls on Rubber Secretariat to expedite implementation of master plan

• Inks MoU with Rubber Secretariat to implement rubber master plan
• Govt. confident of doubling rubber exports and earnings with new master plan
• Identifies 25 to 30 new projects, in the process of establishing new rubber areas 
• Chinese Hainan Company keen on investing around 
• $ 100 m on Sri Lanka’s rubber industry
• Minister acknowledges red tape, delays in implementation

Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake recently called on the Rubber Secretariat to expedite the implementation process of the rubber master plan to double country’s earnings from rubber exports.

“Our prices have declined drastically in the international market and it is a great challenge for all of us. Our product range is very near to the ground and there is a need to increase our manufacturing. If we can maintain the price level at $ 270 we can continue to exist. Therefore, we expect our Rubber Secretariat to come up with a long-term plan and a method of implementing to position it between private sector and the government to uplift the industry,” the Minister told at the MOU signing ceremony implementation of the rubber master plan at Rubber Secretariat.

Noting that Sri Lanka already export rubber based products to major markets like US and Europe and earns about $ 900 million to $ 1 billion per annum from rubber exports, the Minister expressed confident that the industry could double the revenue with a proper implementation of the master plan.

Dissanayake also said they have identified 25 to 30 projects and is in the process of establishing new rubber areas in the country. “The Ministry and the private sector has had discussions with China’s Hainan Group already on this matter. The total investment of these project runs up to $ 50 million to $ 100 million. I am very thankful to our private sector for being very patient over the years believing in these projects,” he added.

“Chinese Hainan Company is keen on investing in our rubber industry. All we need to do is to create a core framework and provide them necessary resources including land, investment policy and legal framework. These are international companies or investors, they won’t wait for too long because there are other countries that they find attractive as well. Thus, it is imperative that we take quick decisions at policy level to secure these investments,” he said.

However, the Minister pointed out that he understands that there are a lot of red tapes and delays in implementing these projects. “When we are dealing traditionally with our institutions, we have to undergo many bureaucratic red tapes and as a result many of the decisions and implementation processes are delayed. But we all are working within the Government laws and regulations. Sometimes, these delays lead to a lot of problems, but it is hard for me to cut the red tape,” he stressed.

Dissanayake expressed hope that these projects will be able to implement within the next five months. The Minister also commended the service of the Rubber Secretariat staff. “As long as I remain the Minister, I pledge to give my fullest support to the rubber sector and strengthen it further,” he said. (CdeS)