Thai Sumeda incense sticks break into Canadian market

By Steve A. Morrell

Thai Sumedha incense sticks exported to many countries have now broken into the Canadian market. Hitherto, India was the main exporter of this commodity. Breaking into the trade was extremely difficult, said sole proprietor Sumedha Elpitiya at the recent launch of Sumedha incense sticks exports to Canada.

Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena and Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa were Joint Guests of Honour at the launch of this commodity to be exported to Canada.

Addressing the audience Minister Gunawardena said until recently our traditional exports were those commenced during the time of the British, who concentrated on the export of tea, rubber, coconut and other commodities. But all such products, although originating in this country, were products that were introduced by others . However, in this instance, the export of incense sticks under the brand name Thai Sumedha was a break from what we have been accustomed to. That too to a Western market like Canada, where similar products are perhaps not popular.

‘Irrespective of such a restrictive trade atmosphere, Thai Sumedha incense sticks to Canada marks a new chapter in exports, with the ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ brand that could be used in such export products . The President, informed of this product and the ground breaking reality of such exports reiterated support that the government would extend to ensure the product would reach more international markets, the minister said.

‘Incense sticks were traditionally exported by India to most other countries. Thanks to efforts of Sumedha Epitiya, it is now significant that such products are exported to other countries and reports are that such products were extremely well received. Value of exports of this product according recent information is now $ 22 million . The Cabinet was fully briefed on the firm quality of the product and Cabinet support too would be forthcoming, Gunawardena added.

Minister of Industries, Wimal Weerawansa after launch of the ceremonial package of Thai Sumedha Incense sticks destined to Canada said industries of such innovation and breaking with tradition will be supported by this government.

He said his ministry, the Ministry of Industries , responsible for such industries, would respond positively and encourage their expansion.

Chairman, Thai Sumedha Incense Sticks said while in Thailand to buy garments for his apparel outlet, he decided to visit temples in Bangkok and met a Sri Lankan monk . The monk advised him to develop high quality packs of incense sticks. He said he was diffident at first, that his products may not be marketable, but because of his strong entrepreneurial mind, set up its manufacture and production. In tribute to the origins of this product, he branded the product Thai Sumedha Incense Sticks. Combining the words Thailand and his own name Sumedha.

He was conscious of yet an un explored market and was determined to establish quality that would ensure his product would be accepted internationally.

Thai Sumedha Incense Sticks are now exported to the US, Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Maldives, Tanzania, Czechoslovakia , UK, Singapore, and Lithuania. Exports to Canada were inaugurated that evening.