Amunugama calls for setting up of an international-level exhibition centre

Participating as the Chief Guest at the opening of the International Printing Exhibition, Special Assignments Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said that an international-level exhibition centre is necessary for Sri Lanka, and that action should be taken towards that end. The International Printing Exhibition was held recently at the International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo. 

The Exhibition had display stalls, not only of reputed Sri Lankan printers, but also those of many South Asian printers. The latest printing equipment were on display, and their capacity to perform any printing job quickly was demonstrated to visitors. Dr. Amunugama personally inspected all the display stalls. He also engaged in fact-finding conversations with the printers present. The Minister acquainted himself with the way in which modern printing work is done efficiently, and the problems faced by printers. Commercial Bank Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe, E. D. B. Chairperson Indira Malwatte, Sri Lanka Printers’ Association President Ranjith Fernando, Sri Lanka Printers’ Association Secretary Chandralal Jayawardana, as well as many printers and foreign delegates participated at this event. 

Speaking further, Dr. Amunugama said:

“A big contribution is made to the Sri Lankan economy by the Sri Lankan printing industry. The annual income earned in the printing industry today is $200 million. The industry will before long reach the $500 million target. 

“Today, our country needs an international-level exhibition centre. The present exhibition centre is not suitable at all for today. Therefore, action should be taken to establish an international-level exhibition centre. Such a centre is essential for Sri Lanka. If we initiate action for establishing such a centre, there are countries who will be prepared to contribute financially for setting it up. Therefore an international exhibition centre should be established quite soon. 

“Sectors like the garment industry, the gem and jewellery industry and the printing industry contribute a great deal to the Sri Lankan economy. Such private sector industries have progressed a lot. The service performed by such industries in pushing the economy forward is immense. It is the duty of the State to encourage and assist such industries. Obstructing them will retard economic progress. 

“At one time I served as the Permanent Secretary of Anandatissa de Alwis. He was the Minister of State. I was the Secretary of that Ministry. That Minister was one who was fond of the printing industry.  He also took a lot of interest in it. Sri Lanka should be developed as a printing industry region. By doing so it will be possible to earn a massive income for the country. We should do so. The full assistance and the attention of the government must be directed towards it. 

“Speaking of the printing industry reminds me of something. When President J. R. Jayawardena decided to dismiss all the workers of the Government Press, I was able to intervene and stop it. I was able to secure their jobs. I was the Secretary in charge of that Ministry at that time.”