President links industry protection to affordable products for local buyers

• PMD says President AKD met industrialists to review ceramics sector ahead of 2026 Budget
• Ceramics sector remains one of the most protected industries
• Examined their challenges and issues to boost local manufacturing and exports
• President tells industrialists affordable, high-quality products for consumers a priority
•  Manufacturers raise raw material sourcing issues

President Anura Kumara Disanayake

President Anura Kumara Disanayake strongly hinted this week that while manufacturers may need protection to grow and expand exports, such measures must also ensure local consumers have access to affordable, high-quality products. He made the remarks during discussions with ceramic manufacturers, one of the country’s most heavily protected industries, ahead of the 2026 Budget.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) said Wednesday a pre-Budget discussion for the year 2026 was held at the Presidential Secretariat between President Disanayake and local entrepreneurs in the ceramic industry, to review concerns and proposals related to challenges in the industry.

The discussion reviewed the Government’s plans to strengthen the domestic manufacturing industry, with the aim of expanding export revenue while safeguarding local entrepreneurs. 

In addition, current issues and challenges related to the manufacturing sector were thoroughly examined, the statement said.

Specific attention was given to ceramic products, including tiles, bathroom fittings, and sanitary ware, while discussions also focused on ensuring the quality and standards of these products currently available in the market.

“President Disanayake stated that the Government will extend its fullest possible support to ensure that high-quality, standard ceramic products are made available to local consumers at fair and affordable prices,” the PMD said. 

The discussions also focused on the challenges currently faced by the ceramic industry, including issues related to sourcing raw materials and potential solutions to address them, the PMD said.

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, and private sector business leaders were also present at the discussion.

Earlier this month, the Government amended the 2018 anti-dumping law to provide greater protection for domestic industries facing unfair competition and sudden import increases. The Industries Ministry said the changes, which were passed by Parliament, introduced stronger anti-dumping and countervailing duties aimed at safeguarding local producers of tiles, footwear, leather goods, and sanitary products.

Industries Minister Sunil Handunneththi, speaking in Parliament ahead of the vote, said the new measures were necessary to address growing concerns from manufacturers that Sri Lanka’s open economy had left them vulnerable. He noted that tiles, sanitary ware, and footwear would be among the sectors most affected.

The Minister also acknowledged consumer complaints about high costs, particularly in the construction sector, where taxes on tiles and bathroom fittings have pushed up expenses. He added that imported tiles from countries such as Thailand and China were entering the local market at prices below production costs, undermining the ability of Sri Lankan producers to compete on fair terms.

The anti-dumping law was first introduced in 2018 under the Yahapalana administration, following a period of increased protectionism during the post-war Rajapaksa Government.