Commerce Minister pledges support to packaging industry

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (second from right) hands over the Lanka Star World Star packaging award to Crimson Creative Solutions Director/CEO Taniya Francisa for Crimson’s packaging for Anchor Newdale UHT Pack, as other industry members look on

Sri Lanka’s packaging industry this week received praise and a support pledge from the country’s Industry and Commerce Minister after the industry’s achievements were celebrated at the Lanka Star Packaging Awards.

“I can inform this industry that my Ministry will continue to support your development efforts and is ready to offer relevant assistance whenever required for the betterment of your sector,” Rishard Bathiudeen said.

He noted that the packaging industry, which is engaged in cross-sectoral activities, also promotes public-private partnerships, since the Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging which organized the awards ceremony has both corporate and public sector members. “The Packaging institute is one of the success stories of Sri Lanka’s public private partnering at work” Bathiudeen said.

During the event, many awards were given to the industry achievers in several categories. Among the winners were packaging students from University of Moratuwa.
“That these awards are focused on innovation, functionality, convenience, graphic appeal, environmental performance, overall impression, along with the fact that great interest by applicants to contest, show the wide-ranging goodwill of this event,” Bathiudeen added.
He noted that his portfolio ministry has helped organize many exhibitions related to packaging in Sri Lanka over the past few years, which have helped uplift the industry’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Further, Bathiudeen added that the Ministry has supported the Certificate Course in Packaging Technology and various other training programmes to uplift SMEs in the industry.