“Sri Lanka’s clay and quartz are of high quality and our ceramic and glass products are not damaged easily” said the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 15th September addressing the 14th AGM of Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council.

“Though the total ceramics and glass exports last year showed a decline to USD 50 million from 2015’s USD 61 million, it looks to be temporary since this is the first time we see a decline after years. In that this industry continuously has been showing a positive performance.

“Our ceramic and glass products are not damaged easily and therefore competitive in global markets. To sustain competitiveness we need to keep our production costs low.”

“We completed surveys to find clay and other mineral deposits in the Western and Central Province and the surveys were successful. We are also working to develop our red clay industry. Our clay is high quality and is in demand for roof tile making due to the Asbestos imports ban starting next year. We also assisted SLS certification program to create a good image of local red clay industry. With the support of National Engineering Research and Development (NERD) Centre we set up Sri Lanka’s first roof tile drying centre in Dankotuwa and sent 30 Lankan red clay industrialists for technological training to Belgium and China.”