Industries Minister to boost local manufacture of electronic goods

• Inspects upcoming Abans refrigeration and air conditioning manufacturing plant in Milleniya Industrial Zone in Kalutara
• Proposes to submit Cabinet paper to strengthen local enterprises as strategic investments
• Says high time to recognise and support enterprises that are creating a culture to appreciate Sri Lankan products

Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa is making a strong case for creating a culture to encourage buying locally made electronic goods that will boost Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector.

He said that steps will be taken to submit a Cabinet paper in this regard, insisting to consider it as a strategic investment.

The Minister made these remarks following an inspection visit to the Abans refrigeration and air conditioning manufacturing plant being constructed at Milleniya Industrial Zone in Kalutara.

The company hopes to launch a made-in-Sri Lanka refrigerator by the first quarter of next year, whilst planning to manufacture air conditioners in the second phase. 

“This is a very encouraging and important step in the development of industry in Sri Lanka’s history. We are proud of this culture of manufacturing products we want locally. It is a trend we want to strengthen further as it would inspire many more innovators and entrepreneurs,” Weerawansa said.

Observing how Abans has taken the initial steps to kick-start some very important industries in a factory which extends to around 100,000 square feet on a five-acre land, the Minister said he would fully support such investments to boost the manufacturing industries in the country.

“As the Industries Minister, I hope to submit a Cabinet paper and propose to accept this project as a strategic investment in principle and to grant tax concessions and other benefits given for such projects to manufacture more made-in Sri Lanka products,” he added. 

He believes sustained reforms and a strong push to local manufacturing and infrastructure development will make a revolutionary change in the economic recovery strategy of the country.

“I would urge people to support items made-in Sri Lanka, as its quality stands out in the global market, despite the size of the product. It is high time that these enterprises are recognised and supported for creating a culture that appreciates locally manufactured products, which will also help save a humongous amount of foreign outflows from the economy,” he said.