Industries should be empowered with technology to be competitive in global market: Minister

Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana

Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana yesterday said Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector should be empowered with modern technologies to be competitive in the international market and to achieve greater economic development, 

He made these remarks during an inspection visit to the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) office yes-terday. 

“Products that have attracted the attention of the world through traditional industries should be mixed with modern technology and brought to the world through a value chain production program,” he said.

Minister Pathirana also highlighted that new technological approaches should be introduced for all in-dustries to be competitive in the global arena. 

“More industries should be empowered with technology through the support of the Institute of In-dustrial Technology. We must also boost State investments into the manufacturing sector to encour-age innovations and entrepreneurs,” he added. 

Established in 1955 and empowered by the Science and Technology Act of 1994, the IIT is currently a leading institution that provides technical empowerment for the development of industries in the country.

It is conducting technology research and development for industries, providing internationally compet-itive technical services, research and development work on post-harvest technology, food, herbal, materials, environment and biotechnology, providing scientific facilities for various products, etc.