Cabraal says 80% of demand for tiles can be met locally by 2022

• Says in addition to three large scale manufacturers, many others keen to join tile industry
• Govt. will assist and encourage local manufacturers

Over 80 % of the country’s demand for tiles can be met locally by the end of 2022, State Minister of Finance, Money, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal told Parliament yesterday.

“There are three large scale tile manufacturers at present and many others are interested in joining the sector. We intend to expand the industry by allowing new companies to come up,” he said.

Cabraal said the President has listened to the concerns of those in the tile industry and given some concessions for imports, and will also assist those in the sector develop the local tile industry.

He also said Sri Lanka’s economy was growing despite the global setbacks faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to attract foreign exchange flows into the country without taking loans. By the end of the year our economy will be in a strong position,” he said while responding to question raised on the fate of the tile industry by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.