Serendib Horticulture Technologies to cater field expertise in foreign markets

Thursday, 20 October 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Devin Jayasundera

Serendib Horticulture Technologies, a pioneering institute in exporting plant material and tissue culture, briefed the media of the initiative to launch overseas ventures to cater their expertise in the field of horticulture to foreign markets.

With regard to this innovative strategy, Serendib Horticulture Technologies Chairman Dilip de Silva in his address stated: “During the recession era in the 2008/09, like any other exports, horticulture exports also suffered a great deal due to the volatile price fluctuations. At that time we decided to look at something not liable to such pressures. As a result of it we looked at the possibility of selling our expertise in the field of horticulture to foreign markets.”

Highlighting current foreign ventures in Qatar, de Silva revealed the humble beginnings of the project. “In 2006 the State of Qatar advertised a tender to do a feasibility study to set up a biotechnology centre and through immense competition, which even included a company owned by the TATA group, we were able to win the tender. We established the centre with the latest technology available and have created the opportunity for many Sri Lankans to work in this centre.”

He also stated that a similar initiative has been implemented to set up a tissue culture facility in Rwanda.

Minister of Scientific Affairs Prof. Tissa Vitarana the Guest of Honour of the evening remarked the unfortunate situation that Sri Lanka has faced due to the effects of brain drain.

“A large number of best researches have been leaving our shores in the last decade. As peace has dawned it is time we make a ‘brain gain’ where we bring back these people who are familiar with the existing cutting-edge technology to make ways in the technology industry in Sri Lanka.”

In regard to adapting advanced technology in industries Prof. Vitarana noted: “It is really important that we turn in to high-tech. Countries like Korea which were poorer than Sri Lanka in the 1960s where there GDP per capita was around US$ 84 and Sri Lanka’s was US$ 320 adopted these advanced technologies to propel them to a rapid economic growth.”

He illustrated an example to indicate the status of the use of high-tech to generate value additions in Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka is only adding high value to 1.6 % of our exports. For instance like garments there is no such value additions. Japan has 85% of high-tech inputs to their exports. This makes a big difference to the economy.”

He also commended the efforts of Serendib Technologies in launching these foreign ventures and promoting high technology to add value to their business.