Issues Faced by the Wood Working Industry in Sri Lanka

Presently major part of the wood working industry is owned by private sector. Many studies carried out in the past have revealed, that most of the wood based industries were based on traditional technology, using out dated equipment. It was further revealed that most  of the personnel engaged in the industries were inadequately trained and did not have the technical competence to perform  relevant activities. This has resulted in  high losses in conversion, in this industry. It is also necessary to have more value addition for various products. The industry has been in the state of underdevelopment for over a period of 20 years and as a result have lost touch with the new trends in the industry, new technology etc. It is interesting to note that there is no single state agency responsible for providing the necessary support, skills; both technical and managerial for upgrading the wood working industry in the country. Various agencies are dealing with aspects relating to wood working industry, but is not geared towards providing most of the support required for developing the industry. 

Moratuwa is considered as the prime location for the wood working industry in the country. However, the industry has been on the decline over the past two decades which has had serious impact on the economic setting of the area and on the livelihood of the people dependent on the industry. It is estimated that there are over 10,000 people employed in the wood working industry in Moratuwa alone. The wood working industry in Moratuwa consists mainly of furniture. In order to be competitive in the domestic as well as in the international market the industry has to produce outputs of high quality, including superior finish and good designing. However, the industry lacks the know how and skills for quality production, the necessary technology or equipment for such production and also to produce designs to cater for the current market demand.

Much discussion have taken place over the years where the need for upgrading the wood working industry has been emphasized, but very little initiatives have been made while the industry is slowly being destroyed. This situating cannot continue any further.