SLAP President’s Message: “Printing for Prosperity”

By Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara – President, Sri Lanka Association of Printers (2025–2027)  

As the newly elected President of the Sri Lanka Association  of Printers (SLAP), it is both an honour and a responsibility to lead  this vital industry into a future full of promise and transformation.  Representing over 4,000 businesses and more than 40,000 livelihoods, the  printing industry is more than a trade it is a cornerstone of  communication, packaging, education, and export competitiveness in Sri  Lanka. SLAP’s Vision for 2025–2027 is clear: to position our sector as a  catalyst for sustainable growth, technological advancement, and global  competitiveness. Under the theme “Printing for Prosperity,” we aim to  transform not only how we print but also how we learn, adapt, and lead in a  rapidly changing world.  

Key Priorities Ahead  

1.  Industry Advocacy & Policy Engagement  

We will launch a National Print Policy Dialogue and promote  incentives for green printing while strengthening support for SMEs  through financial access and regulatory facilitation.  

2.  Capacity Building & Education  

A SLAP Training Academy will be launched with certified  programmes to empower youth and SMEs with the skills required for  digital workflows, sustainable practices, and innovation-driven  production.  

3.  Technology & Sustainability Transformation  

We will promote ISO/FSC certifications and develop a  national sustainability roadmap for the printing sector. Circular  Economy principles will be embedded across the value chain.  

4.  Market Development & Export Promotion  

Print exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, regional trade  delegations, and export readiness programmes will help unlock regional  and international markets, especially in South Asia and Africa.  

5.  Institutional Strengthening & Member Engagement  

SLAP will modernise its digital presence, revamp  communication platforms, and build a strong youth and volunteer network  to drive long-term resilience and growth.  

Call to Action  

Our roadmap includes the creation of regional printing  hubs, vocational partnerships, and low-interest equipment financing  options in collaboration with key agencies like EDB, BOI, and NAITA.  With the right collaboration across government, academia, and industry, I  believe Sri Lanka’s printing sector can evolve into a high-value,  green, and globally competitive industry. Let us unite under the shared  vision of “Printing for Prosperity.” Let’s print not just paper but  opportunity, dignity, and Sri Lanka’s industrial future.