August 28, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the forthcoming 2026 national budget, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a consultative session yesterday (27), at the Presidential Secretariat with key figures from Sri Lanka’s ceramic manufacturing sector.
The meeting brought together government officials and private entrepreneurs to exchange views on the state of the industry, its pressing challenges, and potential strategies for growth and resilience.
The session served as a platform for ceramic manufacturers to raise concerns regarding regulatory constraints, quality control, production costs, and difficulties in sourcing raw materials. Industry representatives stressed the urgent need for policy reforms and targeted support, particularly in light of increasing global competition and shifting market dynamics.
During the dialogue, President Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising domestic manufacturing, with a particular focus on boosting the export capacity of local industries whilst ensuring the protection of small and medium-scale enterprises. The President underscored the importance of maintaining high standards and product quality, especially for commonly used items such as tiles, bathroom fixtures, and sanitary ware, which are widely consumed both locally and abroad.
He further emphasised the state’s intention to make quality ceramic products accessible to the public at reasonable prices, pledging practical support to manufacturers to help reduce overheads and improve efficiency without compromising standards.
Participants also explored long-term strategies for overcoming material shortages, improving infrastructure, and expanding access to international markets. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors were highlighted as essential to building a robust and competitive ceramic industry capable of contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic recovery.
Amongst those in attendance were Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Export Development Board, and several senior representatives from the private sector engaged in both manufacturing and export.
