We become importers or manufacturers depending on govt policy: industrialists

From left: SLCGC Vice President Aravinda Perera, SLCGC Vice President Mahendra Jayasekera, SLGCC president Anura Warnakulasooriya and SLCGC Member S.H.B. Karunaratne

SL Customs ‘text book’ not in line with President’s vision on Production Economy, they say

by Sanath Nanayakkare

A leading local ceramics products manufacturer and member of Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council told the media recently that their members choose to become manufacturers or importers depending on the policy of the government of the day.

“If we find it more profitable to import and sell due to policy decisions, we import. If we see the policy environment in Sri Lanka is conducive to manufacturing locally, we manufacture. We interchange our roles according to policy framework of the government”, he said.

Member of Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council S.H. B. Karunaratne whose company’s product range is exported to about 47 countries made these remarks while speaking at a press conference organised by the Council to voice a ‘major weakness’ in Sri Lanka Customs’ Valuation Book which ‘unfairly’ favours importers of ceramic bathware, glass ware and allied products making things hard for local manufacturers.

“We do believe in free trade which is a two-way street and we can successfully face competition offered by foreign products. But the current valuation for invoicing by Sri Lanka Customs is so skewed and heavily favours importers and doesn’t create a level playing for competent local manufacturers who have invested heavily in the industry. This is not fair and it needs to be rectified,” he said.

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s national policy framework of Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour has created a conducive environment for local production, therefore, we are encouraged to remain as manufacturers”.

“Some social media posts claim that only Rocell makes bathroom sets in Sri Lanka and they produce their goods for individuals of upper-income class and big projects. The truth is not only Rocell but Auto Bathware, RSL Ceramics, Hega, Embilipitiya Ceramics also make complete bathroom sets on a bigger scale and several other companies on a smaller scale. That’s why there was no scarcity of products despite the ban on imports.. Our manufacturers are not producing 100% of the local market requirement. But because of the government’s policy, we have planned to invest Rs.2-3 billion in the near term. With these investments our 60% local production would increase to100% and we will be self-sufficient in ceramic products in two years. And we have our own transparent pricing system to make sure local consumers have access to local products of good quality at affordable prices according to their choice”.

“The main issue that discourages potential manufacturers and existing national manufacturers is that the Customs valuation book value for imported items is at a low and unrealistic rate. To import a complete set of ceramic bathware which weighs 65kgs and includes a commode, tank, basin, pedestal, seat cover and water fitting, the book value for invoicing stands at US$35.00 or Rs.6,350. This is an unrealistic amount as a complete set of ceramic bathware cannot be manufactured at such a low cost, because to purchase the seat cover and water fitting alone it costs Rs. 3,500”.

Suggesting a solution to the issue he said,” This issue can be corrected by amending the Custom’s ‘text book’ value to US$100. Once this is amended local manufacturers will be able to compete with imports and it will also prevent cheap inferior quality items being dumped in our country. And this will also help to stop the huge outflow of foreign exchange.

“Once this book value is amended to $100, the importers and local manufactures will have to compete on a level playing field, and this will in turn benefit the consumer as they can get a competitive price”.

When asked if their members have voiced their concern with the authorities on the ‘unfair’ valuation method by Sri Lanka Customs, Karunaratne said that they would be meeting Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss the matter at an upcoming meeting.