EMLC gets Lanka’s first national rubber survey

The first national industry survey project on Sri Lanka’s third largest export commodity, rubber, has been clinched by EML Consultants (EMLC).

“I am pleased to announce that we are launching the first ever national rubber industry  and are also now looking at creating high end rubber testing lab facilities that the industry needs. All of this will contribute to Rubber Masterplan which looks to generate $ 4 b rubber exports by 2022,” announced Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka after he witnessed the signing of the project agreement between his Ministry and EMCL.

The first survey will evaluate rubber industry’s production, factories, employee numbers, and labour issues and will be completed at a minimal cost of $ 22700 (Rs. 3 m).

EMCL previously partnered with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on Environment Impact Assessments (EIAs) with regard to creation of industrial zones under the Ministry. “EMCL also partnered with the government on Kalpitiya Dutch Bay Resort Development Project,” revealed Avanthi Jayatileka, Managing Director/CEO of EMLC to Minister Bathiudeen.

Since its start in 1993, EMLC has secured more than 500 project proposals, local as well as foreign, and successfully implemented these projects. During last three years EML Consultants has implemented about 150 projects.

As the world’s seventh largest natural rubber producing country, Sri Lanka offers many types and grades of rubber such as RSS, pale crepe, sole crepe, technically specified rubber and specialty rubber.

Sri Lanka’s rubber products are exported to sophisticated markets such as Europe and USA and do not have any problem in adhering to international standards. In 2011 the total rubber production (raw rubber and value added) generated over $ 1.1 billion in terms of revenue.

Rubber and rubber products also accounted for 10.4% of the total exports of the country, becoming third largest export category only below tea and exports leader, apparel. Value added rubber accounted for 80% total rubber exports. Rubber coverage in Sri Lanka is about 125,000 hectares of land and the annual production exceeds 153,000 tons.