Apparels no longer viable export industry- PM

6 March 2017 07:55 am - 22 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka cannot depend on apparel exports any-more and the time is ripe for the production of electronic items such as mobile phone accessories and even parts for robotic machines, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Mr. Wickremesinghe made this remark at a ceremony to mark the 150th anniversary of St Mary’s College, Kegalle yesterday.

“We asked the University of Harvard to carry out a study on Sri Lanka’s economy. The university in turn informed us that Sri Lanka should not rely on importing apparels any more. This is a correct assessment as Sri Lanka cannot compete with countries such as Bangladesh, where the wages are lower. Therefore we need to concentrate on new export items such as electronics. We can even start manufacturing parts for mobile phones or robotic machines," the Prime Minister said.

He said there was a lot of potential for the manufacturing of robotics as china has decided to use around 4000 robotic machines for production. ‘There is potential for producing parts of electronic and other modern equipment. Parts of electronic and electrical goods and other modern equipment which are needed by Japan are manufactured in countries such as Thailand today," he said citing an example.

He also said technology would be introduced in schools soon.

Meanwhile, Minster of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam announced that the government would have to assist schools on a priority basis though many schools have asked for financial assistance. “As many as 30 ministers and MPs come to me during public days asking for assistance for schools around the country but I will have to assist them on a priority basis" he said.

Chief Minister Sabaragamuwa Maheepala Herath said government should assist schools such as St Mary's College and thanked the Prime Minister for assisting this school.

Caption-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen inspecting a mini robotic machine at the science exhibition held to mark the 150th anniversary of St Mary's College Kegalle yesterday. Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Principal of the school Hema Wickramaratne are also present.(Yohan Perera)

Pics by Pradeep Pathirana

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Comments - 22

RDF Monday, 06 March 2017 12:39 PM

Then why did you spend so much energy and time for GSP . Also remember that Bangladesh also produce electronic items. Do we need Harvard now to do simple market research. I voted for you but now regret it. Another WV tall tale.

rew Tuesday, 07 March 2017 07:48 AM

PM does not know whether he is coming or going

gona Monday, 06 March 2017 04:00 PM

You want to ask the GMOA then? They know everything.

Sena Monday, 06 March 2017 02:12 PM

This government is no longer vaible either. via DM Android App

vt Monday, 06 March 2017 02:05 PM

GSP and apparel industries are not the only options in SL. We have look into other other ventures and means in future. Think positively and not politically.!!

Raz Monday, 06 March 2017 01:58 PM

Please accept reality. With all the pay hikes to acceed demands from Unions we not competitive with other countries which has cheap & give more output unlike the Sri Lankans who want more pay & less work. via DM Android App

clueless Monday, 06 March 2017 01:12 PM

GSP is not limited to apparels

Kaboos Monday, 06 March 2017 01:03 PM

NATO No action talk only

chandra Monday, 06 March 2017 12:52 PM

Spot on. Good.

Nish Monday, 06 March 2017 12:42 PM

That is why we should not beg and get GSP

Neo Monday, 06 March 2017 12:41 PM

Good if at-least havard can put some sense to your thick head

mm Monday, 06 March 2017 09:27 AM

baila champion via DM iOS App

kukula. Monday, 06 March 2017 12:24 PM

Dear sir's.I am sure all of you 'll are from a society with sound education. GSP is not only for apparels, but it will be required for export of electronic devises and equipment.

Mevan Monday, 06 March 2017 12:23 PM

This joker ruined the UNP and now he is trying to complete the ruination of the country by promoting bank robbers.

Leo Monday, 06 March 2017 12:10 PM

What ever we decide to manufacture China will produce the same for below half the price. One is a day light looter one a glove trotter and the other a visionless talker. We need new blooded leaders to take our country forward. This whole lot including the one in power and the adorable JO JVP and the other lot need to retire. via DM Android App

upali Monday, 06 March 2017 12:03 PM

Very Contradictory as hopes which was pinned with GSPwill be dashed.

NATO Monday, 06 March 2017 11:15 AM

We only hear talking hardly any action.. The 5 year term will just run like this only limiting to words.

lkboy Monday, 06 March 2017 10:35 AM

then why go behind GSP plus?

Chandana Monday, 06 March 2017 10:12 AM

you dont need Harvard to understand that SL need to shift from Apparels to electronics. challenge is too attract such investors via DM Android App

Banda Monday, 06 March 2017 09:41 AM

This is the prob with you. You your self dont have an idea of what to do. You go and ask from foreign bodies.. Pathetic via DM Android App

Manel Monday, 06 March 2017 09:41 AM

Bank robberies by white collar gentry are probably a viable industry especially when GPS is not sure.

rosebud Monday, 06 March 2017 09:30 AM

If so why are you running after GSP plus via DM Android App

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Apparels no longer viable export industry- PM

Comments - 22

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