The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) has taken steps to develop a comprehensive database on the rubber sector.

“The MIC has identified rubber products manufacturing industry as one of the thrust areas for development in its SME development effort. The Government has also reiterated the significance of rubber industry as a primary contributor to industrial development and export income while generating high quality employment,” Asitha Seneviratne, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industry & Commerce said.

According to Director Development, Epa Dayarathne, eligible firms are invited to indicate their interest in providing the said services. Interested firms are requested to provide information regarding their eligibility including company profile, experience in similar tasks, availability of appropriate skills and expertise among staff.

The selected firm is expected to develop comprehensive data base and to design, develop and conduct a pilot workforce survey for rubber manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka, he said.

Sri Lanka imported raw rubber to the value of US$ 101m in 2010 and to the value of US$ 105m from January to July this year. Last year, Sri Lanka exported rubber in raw form to the value of US$ 170m and rubber finished products to the value of us $ 567m.