Kelani Cables holds ‘Knowledge Forum’

By Devin Jayasundera

Kelani Cables PLC, the foremost name in Sri Lanka’s wiredrawing industry, last week conducted a programme titled ‘Knowledge Forum’ with the intention of enhancing the knowledge of the professionals in the industry. Over 200 engineers working in customer companies of Kelani Cables attended this event.

“The primary objective of this forum is for industry experts to enhance their knowledge and share their vision,” said Kelani Cables PLC Chief Executive Officer Mahinda Saranapala

He mentioned that the company had achieved a rapid growth rate in the last few years and was currently performing at its best.

Saranapala told the Daily FT that the company recorded 20% top line growth and a bottom line growth of 190%. He added that the company had already budgeted a staggering Rs. 4.2 billion for 2012.

According to Kelani Cables PLC Technical Information Manager Shyama Perera, the company recorded Rs. 3.8 million annual turnover for 2011.

Kelani Cables, which pledges to produce the highest quality cables and wires, constantly strives to acquire the necessary standards to maintain the safety of its products. All Kelani CU/PVC cables carry SLS certifications, namely SLS733, SLS1143, SLS 412 and SLS 750.

With regard to the manufacturing of products which are uncertified from the Sri Lanka Standard Institute by new entrants to the industry, Saranapala opined that competition was good but the low quality products being sold in the market posed a huge threat to public safety. He noted that the Government should take adequate steps to regulate these unsafe products.

Ceylon Electricity Board Assistant Control General D.S.R. Alahakoon, who was the key note speaker, gave a lengthy technical presentation on safety regulations with regard to wiring relations and cable installation.

Kelani Cables’ unique workplace culture is infused with Japanese productivity practices like Kaizen and 5S. The company intends to inculcate these work habits in every employee, in line with the company brand mission.

As a result of these practices Kelani Cables has won numerous awards in the past years.  It was awarded the ‘Best Entry Kit’ for 2010 at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards and was also recognised as the safest workplace in the manufacturing and processing sector in Sri Lanka after a joint evaluation by the Department of Labour and Employees Trust Fund.

 – Pix by Upul Abayasekara