Firecracker industry faces supply strain despite strong demand

• Production costs have risen due to global market conditions

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama 

The All Ceylon Fireworks Manufacturers Association (ACFMA) says the firecracker industry is experiencing steady demand ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, although supply has been affected by disruptions caused by the recent Ditwah cyclone.  

ACFMA Chairman Dinesh Fernando said a significant portion of firecracker stocks produced for the festive period had been damaged due to the cyclone, leading to pressure on overall supply. 

He noted that manufacturers are also facing shortages in raw material allocations, with only around 50 per cent of the required potassium nitrate quota for April being issued. He added that repeated requests to streamline the supply of raw materials during peak festive periods have so far not yielded results. 

Fernando further pointed out that production costs have risen due to global market conditions, including increases in the prices of polythene, sulphur, and other key chemicals, partly driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Rising fuel costs have also pushed up transportation expenses. 

However, he said manufacturers are unable to pass on the increased costs to consumers due to prevailing market conditions. 

He also revealed that around 60 per cent of firecracker workers have been affected by the cyclone, while nearly 90 per cent of production is concentrated in the Kimbulapitiya area in the Gampaha District, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability to localised disruptions.