Ceramic Industry in Sri Lanka has grown from a cottage Red Clay Industry to a multifaceted large industrial sector. Sri Lankan knowledge and experience in this sector has now been recognized worldwide.
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History of ceramic manufacturing in Sri Lanka stretches back to the period 500 – 250 BC when potters were rewarded by the ancient kings in recognition of their service to the country. People of Sri Lanka were familiar with the selection of suitable raw materials, mixing methods, forming methods and firing methods of red clay products from time immemorial. Commercial production of earthenware ceramics commenced in 1940 when the first factory was established by the government using technology and equipment form India. |
In 1952 the same factory was expanded incorporating British technology and machinery. A shining path for the ceramic industry was laid open during the period of two decades 1960-1980 under the patronage of the government.
Ceramic Industry has now become one of the most successful and organized sectors in the country and contributes significantly to the national economy through employment generation and export earnings. The ceramics industry in Sri Lanka is composed of three major segments: tableware, both porcelain and stoneware or earthenware; ornamental artware such as figurines, statuary, and decorations; and ceramic tile, including wall tile and floor tiles. This industry has some significant operational strengths, including a highly trained and trainable workforce, relatively low labor costs, excellent management at the factory level, and confidentiality of design integrity.
Ceramic sector has been identified as an area having promising prospects for Sri Lanka in view of its potential for generating employment as well as foreign income. The availability of basic raw materials at a reasonable cost and skilled and literate workforce at competitive wage rates are the main advantages enjoyed by Sri Lanka’s ceramic industry.
This industry is one of the pioneering sectors, which has been able to draw Japanese investment into Sri Lanka. Lanka Porcelain was the first factory thus started in early 1970’s with Japanese collaboration breaking the ice for Japanese investment here in Sri Lanka. Afterwards several projects with Japanese investment and technical know-how were introduced. In addition to the Companies mentioned above, a large number of new Ceramics manufacturing plants have been set up in this country with the inflow of much needed foreign investment.
Sri Lanka’s largest market has been USA followed by other countries such as Germany, Italy, UK and Canada. A new set of markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Poland and Ukraine has also emerged. The highest contribution is made by porcelain Tableware products at present and signs are that tableware has a high potential in export markets. In addition to that Porcelain Ornamentalware and Glazed tiles play a vital rote in exports. Country boasts of manufacturing under world renowned brands such as Noritake, Marks & Spencer, Disney, Fitz and Floyd, Elan and Macys.
