The upcoming ‘’Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2017’’ organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will conduct a dedicated thematic session to discuss, how important it is for the Lankan manufacturing sector to become competitive to attract global markets.

The session titled, ‘Realizing New Competitiveness in Sri Lankan Manufacturing’, will line up some of the finest industry practitioners to share insights on how local manufacturers can transform to become globally competitive.

Kushan Kodituwakku, the Founder and Managing Director of Orel Corporation and Mr. Arun Miranda, the Chairman & Managing Director of “Astrotech Steels Pvt. Ltd.”  And Managing Director of “Trinity Steels Pvt. Ltd.” In Sri Lanka will deliver keynote presentations at the session.

The duo’s deliveries would be followed by a panel discussion with the participation of industry veterans such as Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, Managing Director, Dipped Products PLC, Mr. Suresh Shah, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC and Mr. Sean Van Dort, Director - Logistics, MAS Holdings.

The session would be moderated by Deshal De Mel, Head of Business Development of Hayleys Global Beverages.

They will discuss the latest global trends in best manufacturing practices, critical bottlenecks faced by local manufacturers that needs immediate tackling and where the process should begin and also local success stories in niches like carbon black and high value apparels.

The all-important session takes place in a moment, when the Lankan manufacturers are facing severe pressure from rising costs in input materials, labor and energy costs. Moreover the import protection that has crept in over the years, while helping some industries to survive and grow, whilst hurting others due to higher intermediate input costs