The issue of plastic waste needs to be addressed so as to ensure environmentally sustainable growth, Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu told guests at the launch of the sixth edition of COMPLAST (Complete Plastic Exhibition), the third edition of the International Rubber Expo, and the fourth edition of COMEXPO (Complete Manufacturing Expo) at the BMICH on Friday.
High Commissioner Sandhu and Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayaka were the chief guests.
Around 35 exhibitors from India are participating in the exhibition. The companies are supported by PLEXCONCIL and the Ministry of Commerce of India.
The High Commissioner said that the large participation of Indian companies in the exhibitions is a reflection of India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka during difficult times. He also spoke about the potential offered by the Indian plastics industry in terms of raw material base, capacity, infrastructure and skilled manpower.
Director General, Industrial Development Board of Sri Lanka P. L. U. Rathnamalala, President, Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka, Kaushal Rajapaksa, President and CEO, Smart Expos, India, B. Swaminathan, representatives from the Plastics Export Promotion Council of India and other dignitaries were also present. Minister Dissanayake outlined the strong bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and India.
Speaking about the initiatives undertaken by Ministry of Plantation Industries for development of rubber industry in Sri Lanka. “There is a lot of potential for further collaboration.”
He called upon the industry to come up with innovative models to realise the targets set under the Sri Lanka Rubber Industry Master Plan. The exhibitions conclude today.