(Commonwealth_The Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL) orchestrated a resoundingly successful high-level strategic workshop under the banner “Navigating the Future: Sustainability, Innovation, and Compliance in the Tyre and Rubber Products Industry.” Held on March 15 and 16 at the BMICH in Colombo, the event served as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to delve into pressing issues and chart a course towards a more sustainable and innovative future.
At the helm of this insightful workshop was Dr. R. Mukhopadhyay, Chairman of the Indian Rubber Institute, who brought invaluable expertise to the proceedings. Local support was fervently provided by Dr. Upul Ratnayaka and Devaki Rodrigo of Dipped Products Ltd., a renowned latex glove manufacturer, alongside Manoj Udugampola, Chairman of the Colombo Rubber Traders Association (CRTA). The inauguration ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of senior officials from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Ministry of Industries, Polymer Advisory Council Chairman and PRISL Past President Kaushal Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) Chairman Pushpika Janadheera, and Director General Dr. Sisira Ranathunga.
In his welcome address, PRISL President P.P. Perera, also the Sri Lanka Representative of Tyre Trends, underscored the imperative for the nation to stay abreast of global polymer industry trends. He emphasized PRISL’s pivotal role as the “trusted knowledge partner” to Sri Lanka’s polymer industry, emphasizing collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the Indian Rubber Institute in organizing impactful workshops. Perera aptly noted, “If we do not change with time, change will change us,” highlighting the necessity for adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The workshop encapsulated a diverse array of contemporary topics, covering the future trajectory of the rubber industry, sustainability and circular economy challenges and opportunities, the pivotal role of specialty elastomers in advancing green mobility, challenges in process control and troubleshooting, and emerging legislations and regulatory requirements in the rubber industry. A particularly enlightening panel discussion held on the second day featured esteemed personalities such as Dr. Kulatunga Rajapaksa, Chairman Emeritus of DSI Group, Pushpika Janadheera, Chairman of SLAMERP, and Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, CEO of Global Rubber Industries Ltd. The discussion was adeptly moderated by PRISL’s Director of Education, Prof. Thinini Gunasekara.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in robust dialogue, sharing insights, experiences, and innovative solutions to address the myriad challenges facing the industry. The collaborative spirit that permeated the event underscored the collective commitment towards fostering sustainability, innovation, and compliance within the tyre and rubber products industry.
As the tire and rubber products industry evolves in tandem with shifting market dynamics and regulatory frameworks, workshops like the one orchestrated by the Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL) serve as invaluable platforms for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and collective action. These gatherings provide industry stakeholders with a forum to discuss emerging trends, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Looking ahead, PRISL remains unwavering in its commitment to empower and support Sri Lanka’s polymer industry. By serving as a catalyst for positive change and sustainable growth, PRISL plays a crucial role in driving the industry forward. Through initiatives such as workshops, seminars, and training programs, PRISL aims to equip stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
Continued collaboration and proactive engagement will be key to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. By fostering partnerships between industry players, government agencies, academia, and other stakeholders, PRISL can help facilitate dialogue, build consensus, and drive collective action towards common goals.
